Learning new vocabulary words is important for all readers. This lesson enables students to track unfamiliar words as they read fictional or informational texts. Students record unfamiliar words in a word journal. They then link these words to their background knowledge, create new sentences for their words, and develop a final project that displays their new vocabulary. The flexibility of this lesson allows for ongoing learning as students maintain personal dictionaries throughout the academic year. Teachers may expand this lesson to include other elements of word study and analysis, such as prefixes and suffixes, word origins, and analogies. (author/ncl)

This unique method of vocabulary study could be adapted to any career-technical course where the learning of specific terms is required. Students identify unfamiliar words; record the words in a journal; investigate word meaning through context, dictionary use, or class discussion; and use the words in sentences. Two options are presented for this activity. Students can be given a list of familiar and unfamiliar words they will encounter during their reading of a specific text or students can make a list of new words found in the text. For a final project, students can create a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the significant words from their list. Creating a personal dictionary specific to a career pathway's vocabulary can be a valuable learning activity for students.