Introduce Vocabulary: Julius, the Baby of the World (Henkes)

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 Julius, the Baby of the World.

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.

constantly

Constantly means when something keeps happening without stopping. What's the word?

When we went camping, we had to stay in the tent because it rained constantly. If you're reading a book every time your teacher sees you, she might say you read constantly.

I'm going to name some things that happen. If you think the thing keeps happening without stopping, say constantly. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• Waves crashing onto the beach
• A clock ticking
• You having a birthday
• You visiting Disneyland
• Your heart beating

disguise

Disguise means something you wear that covers up who you are. What's the word?

The child wore such a good disguise that even her best friend didn't know who she was. On Halloween, you probably wear a mask or a costume for a disguise.

I'm going to name some things you could wear. If you think you'd wear the thing to cover up who you are, say disguise. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• Shoes
• A fake nose
• A big hat that covers your face
• Socks
• A wig

disgusting

Disgusting means something that is very icky. What's the word?

Most people think rats are disgusting. Finding a fly in your spaghetti would be disgusting.

I'm going to name some things. If you think the thing is really icky, say disgusting. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• A bug in your food
• Dirty dishes
• Fresh strawberries
• A springtime rainstorm
• Rotten milk

extraordinary

Extraordinary means something is really special. What's the word?

The first man to walk on the moon said it was an extraordinary experience. If your day was perfect, you might say it was extraordinary.

I'm going to name some things that might happen. If you think the thing is really special, say extraordinary. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• You find $100 and get to keep it.
• You go to school.
• You brush your teeth.
• You and your family go to Disney World.
• Your family and friends surprise you on your birthday.

quiver

Quiver means to shake; you do it when you're cold or scared. What's the word?

The little mouse quivered when he was hiding from the cat. If your shoes get wet during recess, you might quiver the rest of the day because you're cold.

I'm going to name some things. If you think the thing might shake like it's cold or scared, say quiver. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• A train
• A wet puppy
• A person singing in front of a big audience
• A house
• Leaves in the breeze

restrain

Restrain means to hold back from doing something. What's the word?

Even though the boy was so excited about his birthday party, he tried to restrain himself during school. If you can't wait to run and jump during recess, your teacher might have to ask you to restrain yourself in class.

I'm going to name some items. If you think you'd have to hold someone back from using the item, say restrain. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• A vacuum cleaner
• An oven
• An exciting new toy
• A fancy bike
• A fun video game

speechless

Speechless means being surprised and unable to say anything. What's the word?

The woman was speechless when she saw a giraffe in her back yard. If you were so surprised with a party on your birthday, you might be speechless.

I'm going to name some things you could see in your playground. If you'd be so surprised you couldn't talk, say speechless. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• A swing set
• A bird
• A basketball
• A ship
• A flying monkey

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.

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