Introduce Vocabulary: Have You Seen Bugs? (Oppenheim)

From FreeReading

What to Do

Prepare

Select three Tier Two vocabulary words to teach your students. A list of suggested words appears below. Write the vocabulary words on the board or on chart paper.

Model/Instruct

1. Introduce the story.

Today we are going to read a story entitled Have You Seen Bugs?.

2. Introduce the three vocabulary words you have chosen.

Before we read the story, I want to introduce some new words that we will come across. Please repeat each word after I say it.

3. Read the story.

Let’s read the story. Make sure to listen for today’s vocabulary words and to think about how they are used in the story. If you hear a vocabulary word while I am reading, raise your hand.

4. Define key vocabulary words. See definitions below.

Let’s think about our vocabulary words. The word ______________ means ____________. Does anyone remember how this word was used in the text?

Call on students to answer the question. Then refer to the text to show how the word was used in context. Repeat this process for each vocabulary word.

Practice

Now let’s practice what we’ve learned.

antennae

Antennae means the long, thin, whisker-like parts of a bug that stick out of its head. What’s the word?

Most bugs have two antennae, while some creatures have four antennae. Since you are a mammal, you have no antennae.

I’m gong to name some creatures. If you think the creature has long, thin, whiskery things sticking out of its head, say antennae. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Your neighbor
• A butterfly
• A ladybug
• A bumblebee
• A snake

chrysalis

Chrysalis means the case that a butterfly baby builds around itself while it grows into an adult. What’s the word?

The chrysalis of different types of butterflies may be different sizes. Since you are a mammal, you didn’t need to build a chrysalis around yourself to grow.

I’m going to name some items. If you think the item is about the same size as the case that a baby butterfly builds around itself, say chrysalis. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• A marble
• A boulder
• A dice
• A grapefruit
• A piece of chewed gum

cocoon

Cocoon means a case that a worm builds around itself to sleep in for a while. What’s the word?

A cocoon looks and feels like it’s made out of silk. If you see a cocoon, you should leave it alone.

I’m going to name some animals. If you think the animal builds a little case to stay in while it grows, say cocoon. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Anteater
• Ant
• Spider monkey
• Spider
• Bat

dine

Dine means to eat. What’s the word?

Sometimes people dine in a restaurant and sometimes they dine at home. You should dine at the table with your family.

I’m going to name some actions. If you think you do the action while you eat, say dine. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Dance
• Chew
• Exercise
• Swallow
• Taste

iridescent

Iridescent means shiny with colors that change. What’s the word?

Gasoline spilled on water looks iridescent. If your ham has an iridescent look to it, it’s probably going bad.

I’m going to name some words. If you think the word might describe a shiny item with colors that change, say iridescent. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Bright
• Colorful
• Dull
• Black
• Sparkly

Adjust

For Advanced Students:

If time permits, have students create more examples for the vocabulary words.

For Struggling Students:

If time permits, have students record the words on a Vocabulary Discovery Chart or in a Word Journal.

For ELL Students:

In order to help ELL students learn the words, it may be helpful to use realia and/or to teach cognates.

Related activities

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