word power!

Here in Room 10, we will launch off on a year-long (and hopefully, life-long) journey called Word Quest.  We will be exploring the intriguing world of words and learning about how English words are constructed (roots, prefixes, suffixes etc.) and the richness of figurative language (hyperbole, simile, metaphor, oxymoron, idiom etc.).

As part of our Word Quest, we will also be working weekly to expand our personal vocabularies.  This effort is fondly referred to as “Word Power.”  As part of this program, all the students will be required to choose a challenging word they would like to add to their word knowledge.  Each Monday the students will choose a word from their weekly "Word Hunt." They will look it up in the dictionary and thesaurus, and fill out a vocabulary card.  This card will be used as a reference throughout the week as the students make an effort to use their chosen word that week.

An example of a Word Power vocabulary card is posted below.

Each day the students will turn in sentences, using their Word Power word.  All sentences submitted must be considered MEANINGFUL SENTENCES.  (Please refer to the form posted below that provides details on what is considered a meaningful sentence.)  Only meaningful sentences will count. Sentences may be turned into the Word Power basket at school before going home or submitted via email at home.  A weekly vocabulary grade (see below) will be assigned based on how many times each student used his/her word that week. IMPORTANT: The grades are based on sentences being turned in EACH DAY. Research shows that if you use a new word even a few times each day, you will retain the word. If you do a large amount in just one day it doesn't work the same way. So, if a student writes 2 sentences for 4 days in a row, they get a grade of 3.  If they miss a day, their grade will drop.

Weekly Word Power grades will be recorded on a sheet each Friday. 

Students will keep this sheet in the back plastic sleeve of their blue daily folder so you can easily monitor how they are doing.  Grades of “1” will require a parent signature.  Please make sure to check your child’s weekly Word Power grade each Friday. (IMPORTANT: For the grade to match the posted list below, at least one sentence must be turned in Monday through Thursday. Sentences cannot all be turned in on one day or perhaps 2 days that week.)

Grades are assigned by how many meaningful sentences were submitted each week. (Refer to comments above. These grades are assigned when students submit at least one sentence a day.)

FYI, the sentence requirement is adjusted in a short week. But the basic grade of 3 will always be based on two sentences a day. So, for a four day week, sentences are turned in on three days. So in that situation six sentences is a 3 if some were turned in every day.

GRADE REFERENCE:

26+ sentences = WOW

20+ sentences = 3++

16+ sentences = 3+

8+ sentences = 3

7 sentences = 3-

5 or 6 sentences = 2

4 sentences = 2-

Less than 4 sentences = 1

As part of our Word Power, every week we hunt for words WE DON'T KNOW.

How this works:

1. While you read any books during the week, try to pay attention when you find a word that you are not sure about the meaning. You might have a clue from the sentence, but you don't know the meaning for sure. You cannot choose words you already know.
2. You might also write down a word you don't know if you are having a conversation with someone and you realize s/he used an unknown word. 
3. When you find a word you don't know, write it on a post-it. You do not need to write a definition. Just write the word.
4. You may NOT write down/choose a word that is specific to a subject. You need to write words that will actually be useful for you to know in your daily life.  
5. You may not use a dictionary to write down new words.
6. EXAMPLES OF NOT GOOD WORDS:  carnivore, circuit, capitalist
7. (This is because they are not commonly used.)
8. EXAMPLES OF GOOD WORDS:  repetitive, scornful, solemnly
9. (This is because these are common and useful words to know.)
10. You can write more than one word per post-it. I recommend one post it per day.
11. Keep these post its stuck in your agenda all week. 
12. On Friday, you will stick all the post its for the week on a piece of lined paper and turn it in to me. See the example below.
13. On Monday, I will return your word hunt. It will have a grade on it. It will also have checks next to certain words. These are the words you can choose from for your Word Power word that week.
14. You will keep all your Word Hunts in your binder all year.

Grades are assigned by how many words were turned in each week. (FYI, the number of words are adjusted for a short week.)

GRADE REFERENCE:

80+ words = WOW

60 words = 3++

50 words = 3+

40+ words = 3

30+ words = 3-

20+ words = 2

10+ words = 2-

Less than 10 words = 1