Academic Vocabulary Journal

Type of Activity:

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Subject Area and Grade Span: Any Subject, Grades K-12

What it is:

This practice is the development of a journal, an ongoing collection of the academic vocabulary (mortar) words that students learn in class. The journal can be used in any content and used as a resource for writing and speaking, since these academic words often cross disciplines.

What it looks like:

The journal can be constructed out of bound cardstock pages.
Students enter academic words as they are taught in class, at the rate of approximately five words every two weeks.
The vocabulary journal is used in addition to a notebook for content-based vocabulary.
Students are rewarded with participation points for using the words in their writing and speaking in class.

Academic Vocabulary Journal
Word: transcend	Part of Speech: verb	Syllables: tran-scend
Synonym/Antonym	Explanation/Examples	Image/Translation
Synonym: Exceed	DEFINITION: exceed, go beyond, overcome
	TEXT: Stones contain an inner power, some believe, that transcend the lifespan of man.
Antonym: To underachieve	EXAMPLE: She exceeded our expectations or she topped her performance of last year.
	DERIVATIVES: transcending
ORIGINAL SENTENCE: The athlete transcended his own record and won the Olympic gold medal.
ANOTHER SENTENCE: Sometimes I need to transcend the daily politics of work and concentrate on the task at hand.		TRANSLATION: trascender

How you know it’s working:

Students actively engage in class in the construction and utilization of the Academic Vocabulary Journal.
Students effectively use academic words in speaking and writing activities in all content classrooms.

Things to consider:

The Academic Vocabulary Journal can take any form (spiral bound notebook, index cards with a ring, etc.). It needs to be transportable from class to class.
Carefully choose the academic vocabulary for the most impact in student learning.

Reference:

Feldman, K., & Kinsella, K. (2005). Narrowing the language gap institute: Academic language and vocabulary development for all students PreK-12. San Diego, California.