Vocabulary Routine
Step 1:
State/Identify
Process
Resources
Write and state the word
decomposer


Step 2: Define
Define the word: Provide student friendly definition
Structural Analysis: Use structural analysis to
determine word meaning (root words, prefixes,
suffixes)
An organism, often a bacterium or fungus, that feeds on and
breaks down dead plant or animal matter
*(can be fungi, bacteria, or worms – not microorganisms)
De = opposite of
Compose = to create
Er = one who …
(One who does the opposite of creating … one who breaks down …)
Consider at least one from each category
Examples*
 Use pictures or video clips
 List examples and non-examples of the word
 Use a thesaurus to find synonyms, antonyms, and
Tier 1 words
 Act out the word
Step 3: Conceptual
Understanding
Characteristics/Attributes*
 Describe the word
 Create shades of meaning
 Sort by semantic features/attribute analysis grids
 Compare/contrast words
 Create analogies
Category/Parts of Speech *
 Determine part of speech
 Determine category of word meaning
Examples:
Use Video Clip *Click on the animation in the link below to see a dead tree
decompose with the help of mushrooms, worms, and
bacteria http://techalive.mtu.edu/meec/module10/Decomposition.htm
Characteristics/Attributes:
Compare/Contrast Words *Click on the link below to play a group game that
compares/contrasts the following words. Have all students
respond to each question in the game when cued.
Producer – organisms that make their own food
Consumer – organisms that eat plants and other animals
Decomposer – primarily bacteria and fungi that break down
wastes and dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/ga
mes/producersconsumersgame.htm
*Check for understanding
Part of Speech: Noun

Step 4: Context
Read/Write/Speak the word in context
o Read the word in context.
o Use a sentence frame to write the word.
Read in context: (p. 3 USOE Booklet)
Write with sentence frame: Bacteria are decomposers because
____________________________________________________.
Written by M. Conrad, ©Davis School District Farmington, UT 2012-2013
Step 5: Transfer
o Use the word in conversation.
Integrate the word into classroom environment
Post in the room. Refer to word throughout the week.
Written by M. Conrad, ©Davis School District Farmington, UT 2012-2013