Novels, where to begin? They are incredibly inviting and can be exciting. Sometimes the best part is that they do not come with pictures … this leaves everything to the imagination. Almost as if you are stuck in a dream, a dream you envision based upon the details of the words you read.
However, let’s say you have a student (or more) that are reading along and they cannot seem to understand many of the things that are being read, nor can they picture what others are picturing. It can feel like a real struggle and you need a strategy fast!
Let me guide you on a journey, more like a tried and true strategy I use. Also, allow me to use one of my FAV-O-RITE books to help you unfold this epic idea!
I am obsessed with The Hunger Games series. What feels like ten years ago, laying my eyes on the first book, it was WORTH the read. Something about the book, every chapter, made me feel a certain connection and made me feel like our future might just reflect some of the futuristic elements within. I can only hope I can be as heroic and brave, yet confrontational, as Katniss Everdeen, the main character. My favorite line:
“I volunteer!” I gasp. “I volunteer as tribute!”
Cue the Vocabulary Doodles:
I use these to help with any and EVERY new unit, lesson, and just plain reading a any type of passage in general. I find that if students can find the definition of the word and make a connection in context, a doodle is the next step. Usually students can remember vocabulary when they have been encouraged to practice it in an unconventional way. Vocabulary Doodles are just that … some students overly enjoy it because they are artistic, while others don’t enjoy doodling, as much, but will remember having to look up the definition of a new word and draw it. In the end, the strategy is brilliant and needing the graphic organizer will not be entirely necessary, after enough practice. In fact, your students should be able to visualize more clearly and write more fluently, in a comprehensive manner.
I cannot wait to hear how this strategy works for you! These Vocabulary Doodle pages are free for a limited time only! Happy doodling!!
In the meantime, how would you like the chance to win your own copy of The Hunger Games and a $10 gift card to Amazon? Click below to enter for your chance to win! Giveaway winner will be chosen from entries received before midnight CST on October 31, 2019.
Looking for more great mentor text lessons and strategies for reading and writing? Check out the links below:
15 Responses
What an interesting idea! Are the doodles just the words? Or are they supposed to draw a picture?
Such a fantastic question!! This is one of my favorite things. Normally I have the students draw a picture of the definition of the word. Though, I have had a student or two doodle the word itself and they still enjoyed the activity while the definition of the vocabulary word stuck with them.
Thank you for this wonderful resource and the opportunity to win!
Of course! Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope you enjoy the resource!
I love your Vocabulary Doodles! Thanks for sharing 🙂 I will definitely use them with my class.
Thank you! Your words are so kind – I cannot wait to see what you come up with!! Do not hesitate to tag me on social media or email me photos in action so I can share your wonderful work!
Thanks for sharing your great ideas!
LOVE this!!! Can’t wait to try it out with my fifth graders. So many of them love doodling.
I love the doodles! This is a must try!
My students would enjoy this. I like how you laid out what to highlight by page.
Thank you for the freebie! I love this idea. So will my doodlers! 🙂
Great post! Thanks for the wonderful ideas.
Kim
I love the vocabulary doodle! How useful and creative! Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Love the Hunger Games idea! So fun!
Such a great idea! Kids love to doodle!