Introduce Vocabulary: The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Potter)

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 Tale of Peter Rabbit.

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.

damp

Damp means a little bit wet. What’s the word?

The clothes are still damp and should be hung on the clothesline. Don’t wear damp boots in the snow, because it’ll make you really cold.

I’m going to name some things. If you think the thing is a little bit wet, say damp. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Sand in the desert
• Sand by the ocean
• Someone’s pants after he sat on a wet bench
• The earth when it rains
• A potato chip

dose

Dose means the amount of medicine a person is supposed to take. What’s the word?

The man wasn’t sure if the correct dose of aspirin was one pill or two. Do you take a dose of Vitamin C every day?

I’m going to name some things. If you think the thing is the correct amount to take, say dose. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• A teaspoon of cough syrup
• A bottle of vitamins
• A carton of milk
• A cup of tea
• A package of cough drops

puzzled

Puzzled means confused. What’s the word?

The man was puzzled when he couldn’t remember where he had parked his car. Do you feel puzzled when you can’t figure out a homework assignment?

I’m going to name some words. If you think the word means confused, say puzzled. Otherwise, stay quiet. Ready?

• Mixed up
• Certain
• Unsure
• Wondering
• Positive

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