Vocabulary Word Jar
Obviously the best way to boost vocabulary in children is through reading
and conversation.
A vocabulary word jar would get those “wordy” conversations going on a
regular basis.
Here’s how it works:

Decorate a jar to put in a prominent place in the classroom.

As the teacher, put words into the jar that you would like to have the
students discuss and learn.

Have students put words in to the jar that they think their classmates would benefit from
knowing. The words they chose could be from something they are reading, a current event, or
any word they happen upon that is of interest to them.

Include some words that have double meanings.

If you think that further review would be beneficial, return the word to the jar to be discussed
again at another time.

If desired, have a template for the students to fill out with the Vocabulary Word Jar. It will help
the students be prepared to talk about the word, its meaning, synonyms, antonyms, examples,
non-examples, use in a sentence, etc. In this way, the students take the lead as being the
“teacher” of the word. See templates on next page.

There are a couple of ways to use a vocabulary word jar in your classroom:
o
Daily – spend a couple of minutes each day talking about a different word
o
In your monthly calendar, slot in a “Vocabulary Word Jar” 10-minute lesson once a
week, whereby you discuss as many words from the jar as the time allows.
o
If you have only a short period of time left before the end of class and there isn’t time to
begin anything new, grab a word from the word jar.

Make it a challenge: once a word is chosen, see how many times the class can use it in context
throughout the day. It will be interesting to note observations about the word, and vocabulary
use in general.
Definition
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