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PSPKK12325 Comments

Vocabulary journal

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Are your students struggling to understand new words as they read? Today I’m sharing a free printable vocabulary journal!

vocabulary journal

I don’t have to tell you that a having a large vocabulary is important. You’ve probably seen your students or your own kids unable to make sense of what they read – because they stumbled on some tough vocabulary.

What’s a teacher to do?

It’s important to build vocabulary from birth, and to pre-teach new words whenever necessary.  But what about when your students are reading books on their own? You’re obviously not going to pre-read every book to find the tricky words.

vocabulary journal 1

That’s where the vocabulary journal comes in. It has a variety of thoughtful activities that will help your students really think and apply the meaning of a new word.  Let’s take a look!

vocabulary journal 2

I asked my Nine to take note of a tough word in the book she’s currently reading. She found the word “query,” which was a perfect one for the journal. First, she wrote the word at the top of the page.

vocabulary journal 3

Next, she copied the original sentence from the book. This is an important step, because context is crucial in understanding new words. After that, she checked her illustrated dictionary for the word (and found it!).

Query was an easy one, but sometimes the dictionary will have multiple definitions. Help your child choose the correct definition to copy based on the sentence from the book. Which meaning makes sense in this particular context?

vocabulary journal 4

She illustrated the word and then moved to the second page. This one requires more thought. The top activity asks your child to write or sketch related words or concepts. These don’t have to be synonyms; they’re simply related. I was pleased when she came up with “wonder” and “think” on her own.

After that, she wrote a synonym and antonym for the word. (“Synonym = same!” I reminded her.)

Finally, she wrote an original sentence using the word.

Tips for using the vocabulary journal

  • Model how to use it. If you’re going to expect your students to do this on their own, put the form on a screen and use it as a class a few times first. It would be a great tool to use when you come across an unfamiliar word during your whole class read aloud.
  • Don’t overdo it. If you ask your students to stop and use the journal every time they find an unfamiliar word, they’re going to start to hate reading. Set an expectation… maybe 3-5 entries a week that can be done at school or home.
  • Remember that some parts of the journal entry may be hard to do, depending on the word. Accept an answer of N/A (not applicable) when necessary.

How to assemble the vocabulary journal

  • Save the file to your computer (right click on the download link and choose “save as”) and then open and print with the free Adobe Reader.
  • Print pages 2-23 front to back, making sure you check “flip on the short side.” If you miss this step, the pages will be upside down. Don’t print page 1! That’s my Terms of Use.
  • Fold the pages in half to make a book, and then open and staple on the fold using a long-armed stapler (this one is cheap and works great for us!).

If you’re looking for a simpler vocabulary journal, I have good news! You can get it from This Reading Mama. It even comes with printable vocabulary words! Just click on the image to get to her blog post.

vocabulary power!

And don’t forget to check out the rest of our quick tips for struggling readers!

quick tips struggling reader

Get your free vocabulary journal!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Free Reading Printables for Pre-K-3rd Grade

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Filed Under: Vocabulary, Reading, Comprehension Tagged With: third grade, vocabulary

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Reader Interactions

25 Comments

  1. Martha Mokalei - Auckland NZ

    April 29, 2018 at 7:02 am

    This is just what I needed to extend my children’s vocabulary lanuguage. Thank you kindly for making these fantastic resources avaliable.

    My children are going to love these – thank you!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna G

      April 29, 2018 at 8:24 am

      You’re welcome, Martha!

      Reply to this comment
  2. rashid

    February 6, 2017 at 10:03 am

    HI Anna, your work is to much outstanding and matchless. i am facing handicap in getting vocabulary journal ,when ever you would free plz direct mail upon my ID.when you have free and leisure time

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      February 6, 2017 at 10:20 am

      I don’t email files, but you can visit this page to figure out why it’s not working for you: https://www.themeasuredmom.com/how-to-download-free-files/

      Reply to this comment
  3. Suzy

    September 2, 2016 at 11:06 am

    this is like the vocabulary sheets I use to clarify words.
    There exist very simple dictionnaries in English like the webster’s new world children’s dictionnary.
    I myself am from Belgium from the Flemish part. We do not have good dictionnaries for children.
    you are so lucky to have so many dictionnaries in American English and English English.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      September 3, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      Yes, it’s true that we have many nice resources here in the U.S. We are definitely blessed!

      Reply to this comment
  4. Alice Carr

    August 25, 2016 at 12:10 pm

    Thank you for all the wonderful materials that you create for us.

    Alice Carr
    Volunteer Tutor
    Bermuda

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      September 3, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      You’re very welcome, Alice!

      Reply to this comment
  5. Danielle

    August 14, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Love this! Thanks for this awesome vocabulary journal!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      August 14, 2016 at 7:02 pm

      You’re welcome, Danielle!

      Reply to this comment
  6. Ashli

    August 10, 2016 at 2:15 pm

    I have never been so flustered in my life. Over an hour spent trying to print this correctly and it wont work. Its so small and there is no “flip on the short side” option. Throwing my hands up and walking away.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      August 10, 2016 at 2:19 pm

      I’m sorry you had a wasted hour, Ashli. When I use Adobe Reader, it always has that option.

      Reply to this comment
      • Ashli

        August 10, 2016 at 2:34 pm

        where does it show that option?

        Reply to this comment
        • Ashli

          August 10, 2016 at 2:35 pm

          I have the latest verision of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

          Reply to this comment
        • Anna Geiger

          August 10, 2016 at 2:39 pm

          I sent you an email so you can see my screen.

          Reply to this comment
  7. Cairn

    August 2, 2016 at 6:59 am

    Thank you!

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      August 6, 2016 at 11:47 am

      You’re welcome, Cairn!

      Reply to this comment
  8. Helen Rogers

    August 1, 2016 at 2:12 am

    This is going to be great with my year 4s. It will help them no end with their reading.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      August 7, 2016 at 12:07 pm

      I’m so glad you can use it, Helen!

      Reply to this comment
  9. Jennifer Hall

    July 28, 2016 at 7:08 am

    This is a great idea. I could really use this in our homeschool. This is going to come in handy in a couple of weeks when we start our new homeschool year. Thank you.

    Reply to this comment
    • Anna Geiger

      July 31, 2016 at 1:32 pm

      You’re welcome, Jennifer! I hope you get a chance to use it.

      Reply to this comment
    • yang

      May 24, 2021 at 6:29 pm

      I have a Vocablury journal at school and I like it but my teacher tell me what is parts of speech is.

      Reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. Free Education Worksheets - Language Arts | Simply Be, Wild & Free says:
    January 5, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    […] Vocabulary Journal – Via The Measured Mom […]

    Reply to this comment
  2. Teaching Vocabulary Without Dictionaries - This Reading Mama says:
    June 16, 2017 at 5:58 am

    […] can also pick up a free vocabulary journal from The Measured Mom! I like this one for Grades 2 and […]

    Reply to this comment
  3. FREE Vocabulary Journal & Printables - This Reading Mama says:
    July 28, 2016 at 5:44 am

    […] Of course, vocabulary plays a HUGE role in comprehension, so it’s very important for all readers! Check out this free, printable vocabulary journal from The Measured Mom. […]

    Reply to this comment

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