Word+Choice

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 * Word Choice**

Word choice is the use of language that enlightens the reader. It creates images in the reader's mind. Sensory language can be used to bring to life what the words are saying by using the reader's senses. Using synonyms can give the writing a flair that is needed to keep the reader interested. Students must edit to eliminate unneeded words. When students are learning about word choice, a useful activity involves poetry. Students choose appropriate words to make the poems read easily and flow. The use of formula poems requires the students to make a proper word choice.

Activities:
 * ~ **Word Choice Picture Books** ||
 * ~ __Amos and Boris__ by William Steig ||
 * ~ __Chrysanthemem__ by Kevin Henkes ||
 * ~ __Kites Sail High__ by Ruth Heller ||
 * ~ __Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse__ by Kevin Henkes ||
 * ~ __Many Luscious Lollipops__ by Ruth Heller ||
 * ~ __The Dog Who Cried Woof__ by Nancy Coffelt ||
 * ~ __Water__ by Frank Asch
 * ~ __Water__ by Frank Asch
 * Create a class book that will aid students in boosting their word choice skills. On one page write a word like, **good** in boring grey print. On the following page have students write substitutes for the words good. Use other boring words to find substitutes for like cool, bad, sad, mad, happy, fun, etc. Students will surprise you with their list of tired boring words.
 * Have a tired word funeral. Put one tired word per slip of paper. Invite each student to place one tired word in a small cardboard box. Have a small tired word funeral by burring these words to never be used again
 * Use a big book full of excellent word choices. Cover up some of the colorful words with sticky notes and as you read the book to the class have them guess what the covered word may be. Often times they will guess words that would go well in that place write them down and talk about how many words can be substituted in its place. If they are unfamiliar with the covered word direct them to the list of optional words to find their own meaning. This is an excellent skill that can help students during test taking time.
 * Challenge students to write a description of something simple like the smell of spaghetti, feel of their bed, or the sunset. Have them review their writing once they have finished and concentrate on using word choice to show not tell.

**This is a free download from the site, Teachers Pay Teachers. It has three lessons that promote strong word choice - incorporating strong verbs, writing using the senses, hearing great word choice. The package comes complete with classroom posters as well as the lessons. It could easily be differentiated to meet the writing needs of younger or older students. Have your students listen to or read books with great word choice. As they do so, have them record words or phrases they think are especially good. Then get them sharing their ideas and talking to their classmates using the strategy "Give One, Get One". A classroom poster about making wise word choices as you write. Includes a place for an ongoing list of great word choice examples and the reasons that make them so effective.**
 * [[file:My Crayons Talk.zip]] This lesson using the book "My Crayons Talk" promotes the use of appropriate verbs. **

Golden Lines ** NEW ** ** - this strategy engages readers in looking for specific quotes that "speak" to them and thus provide interesting discussion materials: **   || Return to home page