4-Square Word Map

From FreeReading

What to Do

Prepare

Print out a copy of the 4-Square Word Map for each student in the class. Create a large version of the 4-Square Word Map on chart paper to model the activity. Use the chart paper or the board to display vocabulary words with their meanings.

Model/Instruct

1. Review the vocabulary words you wish to cover with the class.

2. Model how to use the graphic organizer. Involve your students as you explain, filling out the 4-Square Word Map as they respond to your questions.

Today, we will learn more about our new vocabulary words by completing a word map.

Who can remember one of the new vocabulary words we learned? Who can give us a definition of the word? Who can give us a synonym of the word? Who can think of a way to draw this word? Who can use this word in a sentence?

Call on students to share their ideas.

Practice

3. Have the students complete the 4-Square Word Map. Students can complete graphic organizers for the same words or be assigned different words to work on in pairs or groups.

Now it’s your turn to complete a 4-Square Word Map for a vocabulary word. Remember to complete each part of the word map.

4. Walk around to monitor the students’ performance. As a wrap-up, have volunteers share their work.

Adjust

For Advanced Students:

After they have finished, allow these students to look up the vocabulary word in a dictionary. Ask them to compare their definitions and the dictionary definition.

For Struggling Students:

Give students who need extra help the chance to work with a partner.

For ELL Students:

Some ELL students may have difficulty writing a definition of the vocabulary word; in this case working with them in small groups is helpful. Give students who need extra help the chance to work with a partner.

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• All Vocabulary Activities