Language Arts/English Curriculum Frameworks - Albemarle County ...

• Semantic Feature Analysis – Create a matrix of vocabulary words around a concept or theme.
Words to be studied are written down the left-hand side of the matrix. Features of the words are
written across the top of the matrix. Students mark each cell with a (+) to indicate that the word is
definitely related to a feature or a (-) if the word is not related to a feature.
• Concept of Definition Map – Create a map with the key concept in the center circle. Spokes connect
to ideas along the top of the page that identify the category (What is it); spokes connect to ideas
along the side of the page that identify properties (What it is like); spokes connect to the bottom of
the page to identify illustrations (What are some examples).
• Capsule Vocabulary – The teacher identifies a group of related words from a chapter or topic. As a
class, the words are discussed. In small groups, students practice using the words in their speaking
vocabulary. Finally, students use the new words in writing, by creating paragraphs or stories around
the words.
• Word Histories – Create enthusiasm for words by sharing the history of words with students.
Discuss categories such as eponyms (words derived from person or places) or acronyms (words
formed by the first letter or groups of letters that form a phrase).
• Sentence and Word Expansion – The teacher identifies a simple sentence from the text or from a
student paper. Students work to replace words in the simple sentence with more interesting or
descriptive words. Using ideas brainstormed by the class or ideas of their own, students rewrite the
sentence to make it more interesting.
© ASPIRE K-12, Albemarle County Public Schools, 2003
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