Introduce Vocabulary: Mama, Do You Love Me? (Joosse)

From FreeReading

What to Do

Prepare

Select three Tier Two vocabulary words to teach your students. A list of suggested words appears below. Write the vocabulary words on the board or on chart paper.

Model/Instruct

1. Introduce the story.

Today we are going to read a story entitled Mama, Do You Love Me?

2. Introduce the three vocabulary words you have chosen.

Before we read the story, I want to introduce some new words that we will come across. Please repeat each word after I say it.

3. Read the story.

Let’s read the story. Make sure to listen for today’s vocabulary words and to think about how they are used in the story. If you hear a vocabulary word while I am reading, raise your hand.

4. Define key vocabulary words. See definitions below.

Let’s think about our vocabulary words. The word ______________ means ____________. Does anyone remember how this word was used in the text?

Call on students to answer the question. Then refer to the text to show how the word was used in context. Repeat this process for each vocabulary word.

Practice

Now let’s practice what we’ve learned.

mukluk

Mukluk means furry boots worn by Eskimos. What’s the word?

“Make sure you take your mukluks, because it’s snowing!” the mama called to her child. If you live in a cold place, it might be nice to have a pair of mukluks.

I’m going to name some words. If you think the word describes a furry boot worn by Eskimos, say mukluk. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Uncomfortable
• Warm
• Soft
• Waterproof
• Hard

parka

Parka means a large warm jacket worn by people who live in cold climates. What’s the word?

The boy’s parka was so large he and his brother could both fit in it. If you live in California, you probably have a much lighter jacket than a parka.

I’m going to name some things. If you think the thing would be part of a large warm jacket worn by people in cold places, say parka. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• A hood
• Fur lining
• Zipper or buttons
• Only one thin layer
• Cool mesh lining

puffin

Puffin means a bird with black and white feathers and a colored beak that lives in northern areas. What’s the word?

A puffin makes a low purring sound, but never howls. Do you think puffins are cuter than penguins?

I’m going to name some places. If you think a cold-loving bird would live there, say puffin. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Florida
• Alaska
• A tropical island
• A snowy beach
• Your backyard

umiak

Umiak means a boat like a canoe that Eskimos use. What’s the word?

A person would have to practice to be able to use an umiak. You shouldn’t stand up in an umiak, because it tips over easily.

I’m going to name some things. If you think a boat like a canoe might move like the thing I name, say umiak. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Fly
• Float on air
• Float on water
• Drift
• Roll

Adjust

For Advanced Students:

If time permits, have students create more examples for the vocabulary words.

For Struggling Students:

If time permits, have students record the words on a Vocabulary Discovery Chart or in a Word Journal.

For ELL Students:

In order to help ELL students learn the words, it may be helpful to use realia and/or to teach cognates.

Related activities

• All Vocabulary Activities