Pre-Reading+Sample+Lessons

What is a Word Cloud? | Word Cloud Generators | ** Teaching & Learning with Word Clouds **

>>> >>>> A. Happy >>>> B. Tearful >>>> C. Dim >>>> D. Scale >>>>> A. Whole >>>>> B. Chart >>>>> C. Scale >>>>> D. View >>>>
 * ==Pre-Reading==
 * Vocabulary Introduction -- Vocabulary is a key indicator of reading success and students from low socio-economic groups are often deficient in this area. By exposing students to many words in a variety of contexts, we are able to build vocabulary knowledge. Using Word Clouds also requires students to utilize creative and critical thinking skills when analyzing words and their relationships to each other. Some sample lesson ideas include:
 * For any of the strategies below, students or teachers can create the Word Cloud depending on the teacher's need.
 * Say largest words aloud as students repeat at the same volume. Continue reading each word from the word cloud in order (larger words first, followed by smaller words). As you read each word, decrease the volume at which you read the word. Students will practice learning new vocabulary words while the novelty of the volume changes underscores word importance. Define unfamiliar words as your students repeat at the appropriate volume.
 * Assign groups of students a "word size." Groups define each word for the whole group. Extend this activity by having students make connections among the words in the group they decoded. For example, "how could 'Negro,' 'freedom' and 'dream' fit together?"
 * Students list words in groups on their own papers according to the size of the word. Analyze the words in a variety of ways (i.e. compound words, rhymes, affixes, roots, parts of speech, connotation)
 * Students analyze words for meaning. For example:
 * Which word is the closest antonym to the words in the graphic?
 * media type="custom" key="11614688"
 * This idea can be extended across the curriculum, extending literacy instruction to other subject areas.
 * What word is the closest antonym to the words in the graphic?
 * media type="custom" key="11614814"
 * ==Build Background Knowledge==
 * Students pick a word that sticks out to them. Each student explains to a neighbor why that word caught their attention. Have a few students share their thoughts.
 * Select specific word pairs (i.e. today and dream, freedom and satisfied, justice and Negro, children and nation). Ask students to write the many and varied ways those word pairs could belong together.
 * If a shape is used, have students guess the shape of the word cloud. "How could these words connect with the shape?"
 * ==Make Predictions about the text==
 * Have students make predictions about the type of writing from which the word cloud was generated (i.e. genre)
 * Students could predict the narrator or speaker of the text, the setting, and main events based on word cloud.
 * Students should generate questions they have about the text based on the word cloud.