Last week I wrote about an idea I had for digital vocabulary using Tagul. I tried the idea with my students this week. I explained that they could use Tagul to make a word cloud about a vocabulary word. I asked them to explore the meaning of the word by using Thesaurus.com to find synonyms. I wrote a model blog post to show my expectations for their writing around the word.
In their writing, I wanted my students to find a way to connect to the word. Then I asked them to choose a favorite synonym and tell why it interested them. By interacting with a vocabulary word, it will become more integrated into their lexicon. The activity also spurred on some interesting class discussions.
This is Kaiden’s response to the word remarkable.
I put remarkable because so many things in life are remarkable. Think about it. Dreams, for example are completely extraordinary. We are able to make simulations while our brains are only half functioning . Even the human brains are remarkable. We are capable of so many things. We can travel almost anywhere on earth. We can travel to places miles and miles and miles into the sky, and break the sound barrier.
My favorite word is incredible, because it is INCREDIBLE. It is enthusiastic, but it can also be used in a sad and sarcastic way. Which I guess is me. Some days, I am enthusiastic and jumping all over (Which happens about 2/5 days). Other days, I am grumpy/sarcastic, quiet, and sad. Sometimes separately, sometimes at the same time.
Please leave your links below:
Margaret,
Thanks for sharing student work this week. Not only do I admire Kaiden’s visual, but also this writing . . . “I put remarkable because so many things in life are remarkable. Think about it. Dreams, for example, are completely extraordinary.” What a great introduction for his writing!
❤
I will share your comment with Kaiden. Thanks!
Sounds like a great approach to me. When someone chooses a word the way Kaiden chose remarkable, you could start calling him “Remarkable Kaiden” for the rest of the week. Seeing each vocab words as encasing its own story releases creativity and endorphins when they are explored and experienced.
Kaiden’s writing has grown over the years. He is articulate, “We are able to make simulations while our brains are only half functioning. Even the human brains are remarkable.” He is creative as evidenced by his Tagul. Thanks, Margaret, for always sharing the INCREDIBLE work that your students are engaged in.