Vocabulary Vault• Objective: students practice using a print and/or electronic dictionary.

• Age approximation: grades 1-5: differentiate with the different boards and by making boards to meet the vocabulary needs of the grade/class.

• Materials needed: game boards on laminated cardstock; one die and two game pieces (any counter will do) per group. You can use flashcards instead if that’s easier.

• The basic game:– Divide classes into groups of about 6. Then make 2 teams on each group.

• Either one team uses the print dictionary, and the other uses one on the computer, or both teams have print dictionaries.

• Group members that look up the same word at the same time.– Roll to see who goes first. Roll the die and move that many spaces. – Both teams race to look up the word. The fastest reads the definition and gets to roll next.– The first team to the end wins.

• Ideas for enhancement:– If students have just learned to use ABC order and print dictionaries, it’s best to have two print

dictionaries. After, discuss what makes someone fast at looking up words in dictionaries.– When using a print dictionary is easy, it’s good to compare one print and one electronic dictionary.

After, it’s very important to discuss the difference between these two media forms- which was faster? Why?

– Make your own board and ask teachers what vocabulary words they want students to learn.

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Huge Chill Hut Coil Mold Plaid

Pale Bark Boil Melt Silk Texture

Planet Horizon Record Growth Charm Easel

Pail

Create

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Scrumptious Flatter Perceive Grieve Tame Sympathy

Obstruct Befriend Toil Abode Consult Meticulous

Detest Frivolous Cultivate Converge Flourish Phenomenal

Opaque

Observe

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