Working with English Language Learners

Word Web

For first and second grade children who need practice in vocabulary.

Similar to a spider web, this activity begins with a graphic organizer on which children can draw connections between related words. Use a base word, root word or subject that the children are studying in school and are interested in. This word becomes the center of the web. For example if the word chosen was spacecraft, your web might look like this:

Children then contribute related words and concepts that are associated with their understanding of the word spacecraft. As children call out words, list them next to the web. Depending on the prior knowledge and background of the children, the list may be a long one!

Next, have the children discuss the words and their relationship to others words on the list, in order to sort the words into groups. For example, if the list generated by the children included the following: spaceship, space-shuttle, space-capsule, UFO, flying-saucer, rocket, astronaut, spaceman, spacewoman, pilot, and alien, the group might decide that spaceship, space-shuttle, space-capsule and rocket are related in meaning and should be listed in the same circle. But, that UFOs and flying-saucers do not originate from Earth, and should be listed in another circle.

The purpose of the activity is for children to explore the meanings of words and build a list of related words. When they do this, they are learning that there are subtle differences between words. They are building their vocabulary through extended instruction and repeated exposure to words and their use in a variety of contexts.

This information was produced by the National Center for Family Literacy for use on www.thinkfinity.org, a powerful educational platform supported by the Verizon Foundation. This information is in the public domain and may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes without permission.