Weekly Vocabulary Expectations
Words are everywhere! Whether you read them in a book, listen to them in a song, see them on a sign, or
hear them from a conversation, you are exposed to words daily. This school year we will focus on the
importance of words and the power that they hold. One way that you will examine words more closely is
through collecting and researching the meaning and origins of words. As you read your independent novels
each week, you will record new and interesting words that you come across onto your readers’ workshop
bookmark. You will then select four words to research and learn more about their meaning. You will use
your Word Collection sheet to create a vocabulary word task for each of your four words. Vocabulary Word Tasks
1. CSI
• Create an original metaphor and explain your reasoning (What
makes you say that?)
2. Word Poetry Haiku
• Write a 17-syllable poem that uses your vocabulary word.
3. Synonyms/ Antonyms
• Match your vocabulary word’s part of speech when making
these lists of three antonyms and three synonyms.
4. Word Cartoon
• This creative art task requires you use of a vocabulary word in
a caption or dialogue bubble.
5. Detailed Sentence
• Write an action-packed original sentence that shows you
know how to use the word using a context clue or two.
6. Personified Word
• Re-envision your vocabulary word as a“person,”and write a
description that explains your personification
7. Root Word Association
• Research for Latin or Greek roots, and then find word that are
related
DUE DATES
October 2
October 30
November 20
December 18
January 8
February 5
March 5
April 2
April 30
May 28
Tips for successful Vocabulary Word Tasks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
You are only allowed to use each vocabulary word task one time per week. If you used a CSI for
one of your words, the other three words will need to be a different vocabulary word task.
Use the examples to help you. Refer back to them each time to make sure you have included
all of the requirements.
Challenge yourself to use these words in your writing and speaking. The more you use the word
the sooner it will become a part of your vocabulary.
Do not wait till the night before to start on your vocabulary word task. Speed time creating a
quality showcase of the words you are learning.
Be creative, and have fun!
WEEKLY VOCABULARY WORD TASKS
POTENTIAL
DUE DATE______
EXAMPLES
ELOQUENT
part of speech: noun
part of speech: adjective
definition: the ability to grow,
develop, or improve
definition: having the ability to use
language clearly and effectively
Synonyms
capability (n)
possibilities (n)
capacity (n)
Antonyms
inability (n)
weakness (n)
incompetence (n)
Word from The Lightening Thief p. 100
DECIPHER
I chose the symbol of a podium to
represent the word eloquent because
when people give speeches they must
speak effectively and clearly. Next
time I hear the word eloquent I will
picture this symbol to help me
remember the meaning of the word.
Word from Pride and Prejudice p. 45
IGNORANCE
part of speech: verb
part of speech: noun
definition: to solve; to discover the
meaning
definition: lack of knowledge or information
The moon is missing
Michael must decipher why
We miss the moon light
Word from 1984 p. 90
Word from The Westing Game p. 15