Selection Vocabulary (Big Book)
About the Routine

In Open Court Reading and SRA Imagine It!, vocabulary words have been carefully chosen from the selection. These words are not only important to understanding the text but are also high-utility words that can be used in discussing and writing about the unit theme. Because vocabulary instruction is so critical to comprehension, vocabulary instruction is integrated throughout Open Court Reading and SRA Imagine It!

Before Reading

• Give a grade-appropriate definition and an example for the word that matches the meaning in the story. When possible, show a picture or demonstrate the word.
• Have students use the word in a sentence, demonstrate the word if appropriate, or give an example of the word.

During First Reading

• Follow the suggestions made throughout the reading to discuss new and interesting words as the class reads the Big Books. Clarifying words in the context of reading is an effective technique for expanding student vocabulary.
• Encourage students to ask questions about words they do not understand, and ask questions to verify that students understand difficult words as you read.

During First Reading

• Follow the suggestions made throughout the reading to discuss new and interesting words as the class reads the Big Books. Clarifying words in the context of reading is an effective technique for expanding student vocabulary.
• Encourage students to ask questions about words they do not understand, and ask questions to verify that students understand difficult words as you read.

During Second Reading

• Reread the sentence in which the word appears.
• Explain the meaning as it is used in the sentence. When encountering a multiple-meaning word, point out how the word has more than one meaning, and that the sentence it is in will help students determine which meaning is being used.

After Reading

• Review the selection vocabulary words by asking students questions that allow them to show their understanding of the meanings of the words. Ask questions that relate to students’ lives when possible so that students can begin to see how words encountered in reading can also be used in conversation.