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Title - Vocabulary Puzzle
By - Matthew Winger
Subject - Language Arts
Grade Level - 8
Lesson Description: The students will work in groups of four. Each group will be given a list of prefixes to look-up in dictionaries. The students will share the definitions to each prefix and record the information in their notes. After all of the students have a complete list of prefixes and definitions the students will be given a crossword puzzle of words using those prefixes.

Goals:
-- The students will gain the ability to analyze and breakdown unknown vocabulary words using clues provided by prefixes.

-- The students will expand their own vocabularies by using prefix awareness as a tool.

-- The students will use this skill to enhance their lives as well as obtaining higher S.A.T scores.

-- The students will gain confidence in their own vocabulary skills by having fun.

Links to Standards:
-- PA Reading 1.1
C. knowledge of root words/context clues
D. generate essential questions
E. Expand vocabulary
F. Across subject vocabulary
-- PA Writing 1.5
G. Edit writing
-- PA Speaking and Listening 1.6
A. Ask questions and take notes
B. Speak clearly
C. Contribute to discussion
E. Participate in small groups
-- PA Functions of language 1.7
A. Origin of words
B. Role of language
C. New words
-- PA Research 1.8
B. Locate information

Content:
-- The students will deal with the problem of communication breakdown.

-- The students will quickly apply their knowledge of prefixes to other words in the English language, thus teaching themselves.

-- The students will address the following questions:
Does vocabulary promote social status?
Do we judge people by the way they speak?
Why does the English language have so many ways to say the same thing?
How does learning English help in learning other languages?

Prior learning needed: The students must have an understanding of the English language. They must also be familiar with the workings of a dictionary and crossword puzzle.

Anticipated difficulties:
-- The students may have difficulty finding all of the prefixes in the dictionaries. (solution: Teacher guide)

-- Some students who are unfamiliar with crossword puzzles may have difficulty with the directions. (solution: Teacher provides one example for class)


Major Learning Activities: The students will engage in a fun and educational activity. Through the use of puzzlemaker.com, the students have a crossword puzzle that challenges them to apply the prefix knowledge they just obtained. The students will use communication and dictionary skills in their groups and vocabulary skills on their own.

Materials:
-- Writers Inc. Handbook
-- Dictionaries
-- Puzzle from Puzzlemaker.com via the Internet and a computer with printer
-- Pens
-- Notebooks with paper

(Teacher note: Design and print puzzle at least one-day prior. Be prepared with hard copy and diskette)

Assessment:
The students will be evaluated orally when providing definitions to prefixes.
The students will receive a grade on their crossword puzzle handout. (Technology produced)
They will also eventually be tested on prefixes, suffixes, and roots.

Management: The students will work at their desks in groups of four in the classroom. The teacher will move around from group to group and evaluate the needs of each student. The teacher will help any students at this time.

Professional development: Whenever a teacher and students use technology in the classroom, it is an opportunity for all involved to learn.

Matthew's Email is not available.