Introduce Vocabulary: A Pocket for Corduroy (Freeman)

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 A Pocket for Corduroy.

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.

affectionate

Affectionate means showing love for someone. What's the word?

The little boy was affectionate to his dog. When your parents are being affectionate, they're showing you that they love you.

I'm going to name some things. If you think the thing I name would make you feel affectionate, say affectionate. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• An annoying mosquito
• A lawnmower
• A kitten
• Your grandma
• A baby

hesitate

Hesitate means to wait or pause. What's the word?

If a person is afraid of the dark, he or she will hesitate before going outside at night. You might hesitate before crossing the street.

I'm going to name some times when a person might hesitate. If the thing I say is a time to hesitate, say hesitate. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• When a scary dog is outside the door
• Before going to a birthday party
• When you are served your favorite treat
• When you are going to the dentist
• Before opening presents

inspired

Inspired means to feel strongly about doing something. What's the word?

The man was inspired to write a book about his experience climbing a mountain. After watching an incredible athlete, you might be inspired to become one too.

I'm going to name some people. If you think these people really want to keep trying, say inspired. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• A runner who has come very close to winning first place
• A student who has already won every spelling bee
• A first grader who wants to read like her older brother
• An old cat given food she hates
• A teenager practicing to get a driver's license

reluctant

Reluctant means not wanting to do something. What's the word?

The boy who didn't like swimming was reluctant to jump in the pool. You are reluctant to get out of bed in the morning if you stayed up too late.

I'm going to name some examples. If you think you'd be reluctant to do them, say reluctant. Otherwise, don't say anything. Just sit quietly. Ready?

• Take a really hard test
• Play with your best friend
• Watch a funny movie
• Buy a new toy
• Eat your least favorite food
• Go into a dark room alone

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.

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