Where do the words come from?
Words are selected from in-class reading assignments.
When do students get words and definitions?
Students copy words and definitions on the Tuesday of the week before the test, so students have the words for 7 school days before the test. Students who are absent on any Tuesday are responsible for getting the list from me or from a trustworthy classmate.
What are Vocabulary Cards?
Vocabulary Cards are index cards which are used to discuss the words and clarify any misconceptions before the test. They are due on Tuesdays. On side 1, students are to write the word and draw a picture which represents the meaning of the word. The picture should be specific enough to help students make a visual connection with the word. On side 2, students are to define the word, record the part of speech, and write an original sentence correctly using the word with generous context clues.. (I am not picky about part of speech. It can be on the front or back.)
Advanced classes are to add the "other parts of speech" from the word. If the word is slow (adj), for example, students would add slowly (adv), slowness (n), and slow (v).
What type of test will it be?
The test will be oral. Students will be expected to spell each word correctly (1 point), provide the part of speech (1 point), and define the word (4 points). Definitions are the most important element! For challenge words, the spelling is worth 1 point and the definition is worth 1 point.
On the Review List, each question is worth 4 points.
For prefixes, suffixes, and root words, the definition is 4 points. Each of the examples (2) is one point.
For academic students, that doesn't add up to 100 points. How does that work?
Lists will have different numbers of words, based on our reading for the following week. In a 14-word list, the lowest grade would be a 30. For lists with challenges, the lowest possible grade is 1.
What if we aren't happy with a grade?
Students may make arrangements with the teacher to stay after school on any Monday or Tuesday to retake a test. The highest grade for a retest is an 84 (the highest C). Students should study before attempting a retest. Students need to complete these in a timely manner to avoid running out of time before the end of the grading period. I don't suggest Thursdays because that would mean two vocabulary tests in the same day.
What do the numbers mean?
The first number indicates which grading period will include the grade for this test. The second number indicates the unit for this test. The second number indicates the week of the grading period (the order of the tests).
How should we be studying?
Don't wait until the last night before the test. Use a folded page (method taught in class), flashcards or a classmate (call and answer). Practice the way the test will be -- WRITE THEM DOWN REPEATEDLY! The Review Test is matching, however, so the studying should be different. Key words are important in matching tests. The skill is to recognize, so flashcards would be helpful.
If you have other questions, please contact me via email, your child's agenda or a call to the school.