Learner-Centered Activities: Vocab Jingles
Priscilla Shumway
When learning specialized vocabulary, divide students up into small teams. Be sure they know the definitions of the words. This is a revisit or closing activity.
With your team, create a rap, jingle or song for one of these words: (this is an example of a social studies unit for middle or high school.) The jingle should include the definition and/or usage of the word.
-
Constitution
-
Amendments
-
Executive branch
-
Legislative branch
-
Judicial branch
After students have prepared their jingles, they share them with the class.
Sample standard: Grades 9-12: US Government and Citizenship: Students will define and provide examples of fundamental principles and core values of American political and civic life.
Compound Scramble
Purpose: Help students learn compound words by using this fun closer or revisit activity.
Process: In teams, have the students brainstorm compound words (e.g.: snowflake, moonlight, playground). On index cards have them write half of each word. Collect the cards, shuffle and distribute them to the class. Now individuals do a Human Scramble to find their compound partner. Those new pairs then write a sentence using their compound word and share it with the class.
Sample standard: Grade 3: Identify subjects and verbs that are in agreement and identify and use pronouns, adjectives, compound words, and articles correctly in writing and speaking.
These ideas were submitted by Priscilla Shumway, a former teacher and training consultant with The Bob Pike Group.
