Introduce Vocabulary: The Subway Mouse (Reid)

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 The Subway Mouse.

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.

dodge

Dodge means to move quickly to avoid being hit. What’s the word?

When I was a kid, one of my favorite games was dodge ball, where kids try not to get hit with a rubber ball. Are you quick enough to dodge raindrops when they fall?

I’m going to name some words. If you think the word means to move quickly to avoid being hit, say dodge. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Sit still
• Jump aside
• Dart left to right
• Stand
• Lie down

pluck

Pluck means to pull out feathers or hair. What’s the word?

Some ladies pluck their eyebrows so they are thinner. Have you ever seen someone pluck a chicken?

I’m going to name some items. If you think you could pull feathers or hair out of the items, say pluck. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• A doll
• A snake
• A basketball
• A pillow
• A pig

snatch

Snatch means to grab something quickly. What’s the word?

The mom snatched the sharp knife away from the baby. You shouldn’t snatch toys out of other people’s hands.

I’m going to name some items. If you think it’s possible for a little child to grab the item, say snatch. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Candy
• A toy mouse
• A real mouse
• A rocket
• A dog’s leash

swirl

Swirl means to turn something around and around. What’s the word?

The girl always held a piece of her hair and swirled it around her finger. If you put soapy water in that bowl and swirl it around, the bowl will be clean.

I’m going to name some words. If you think the word means to turn something around and around, say swirl. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Spin
• Roll
• Clunk
• Rattle
• Throw

trot

Trot is a fast walk or a slow run. What’s the word?

Riding a horse at a trot is fun, but riding it at a gallop can be scary. You and I should trot down to the store on the corner and get some ice cream.

I’m going to name some animals. If you’ve ever seen the animal walk fast or run slowly, say trot. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Dolphin
• Turtle
• Snail
• Dog
• Pony

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