Word Web Research

For third graders who need practice in vocabulary.

Third graders often know how to research word meanings on their own. They frequently use the dictionary, encyclopedia and the computer to research words and subjects. This activity builds on those skills.

Have children complete a Word Web activity (see first and second grade activity). After the children have completed the discussion and have sorted their word list and the words are represented on the word web in different circles, assign individuals or groups of children one set of words. Provide a variety of research tools, such as a dictionary, a thesaurus, computers, and an encyclopedia for the children to search for the definitions and meaning of their assigned words. Ensure that children also have access to the school library.

After the task is complete, ask the children to give a report that provides the meaning and definition of their assigned words and the source from which they gathered the information. Also ask them to use their words in a sentence. In this way children are able to compare their understanding of a word's meaning to other sources of information, thereby enriching their own vocabulary.

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