TIP #4

Alphabetize

 

I have such fond memories of alphabetizing words, dictionary in hand. I loved the way the dictionary was organized, unlocking the system on each page, the guide words at the top—the left word directing me to the word at the top of the left column; the right word directing me to the last word in the right column. I loved how the dictionary taught me that each word possessed a very specific pronunciation, history, and meaning. But most of all, I loved how the dictionary taught me to alphabetize.

Take the words: armor, arduous, architect

All begin with “A” so now what?

Go to the second letter.

“R” is the second letter in each word!

Now what?

Go to the third letter.

“M” and “D” and “C” come next. So when we alphabetize via these letters the order is as follows:

• Architect
• arduous
• Armor

With one word on the front of a 3 x 5 card, the definition on the back, the three words are filed behind “A” in the card file.

Building a rich vocabulary is a key part of growing as a reader and writer.  As your students work through CORE Integrated Literature and Writing, Operation Lexicon, Hatchling, Earlybird, Research People and more, encourage them to alphabetize new vocabulary. This will not only help them move new words into long-term memory, but also into their spoken and written ideas!

 

~Kimberly