QUICK SHOPPING
Zaner-Bloser Word Wisdom
What a surprise! Here's a vocabulary program that focuses on context clues AND Latin roots AND reference skills. That's a lot of foci. Are you wondering how they pack all that into a 36 week supplemental program? They utilize a well-constructed four part unit plan. Words are organized by theme - a different theme for each four-week unit. Weeks 1 - 3 (Parts 1, 2, & 3) each present a list of ten vocabulary words embedded in a one-page article. Week 4 (Part 4) is a review week for all thirty words and includes a practice test and a unit posttest. Part 1 presents the unit's context clue strategy using a graphic organizer to predict and check meanings. Part 2 identifies Latin and Greek roots and Part 3, reference skills. Each week these particular aspects are used to Unlock the Meanings of the words. There are additional exercises for each of these three weeks. Process the Meanings are skill-based activities that provide multiple interactions with each word. Apply the Meanings include writing and speaking exercises allowing the students to use the words. Activities in these sections include select the words, complete the sentences, answer the questions, etc. Part 4 Review activities include a section on taking vocabulary tests and building new words as well as reviewing meanings. Taken all together, the Unit provides 30 words with multiple approaches to learning, using, and remembering them.
Student Editions are consumable worktexts and provide all word lists and all activities except for tests. Teacher Editions are wraparound volumes with unit and daily planners, detailed lesson plans with special sections for enrichment, English Language Learners, and lots of background information. Pre and Post Tests for each unit part as well as Unit Posttests are all provided in the TE. All answer keys for both worksheets and tests are in the TE. A Word Wisdom CD-ROM is included with the TE and includes printable flashcards and worksheets (analogies, graphic organizers, and word ladders).
This is a multi-faceted approach to vocabulary and a program that is well-constructed, yet easy to use. Student books are 222 pgs, pb. Teacher books are 290 pgs, spiral-bound. ~ Janice
