Are your students struggling to understand new words as they read? Today I’m sharing a free printable 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.
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!
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.
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?
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.
And don’t forget to check out the rest of our quick tips for struggling readers!
Get your free vocabulary journal!
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Martha Mokalei - Auckland NZ
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!
Anna G
You’re welcome, Martha!
rashid
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
Anna Geiger
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/
Suzy
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.
Anna Geiger
Yes, it’s true that we have many nice resources here in the U.S. We are definitely blessed!
Alice Carr
Thank you for all the wonderful materials that you create for us.
Alice Carr
Volunteer Tutor
Bermuda
Anna Geiger
You’re very welcome, Alice!
Danielle
Love this! Thanks for this awesome vocabulary journal!
Anna Geiger
You’re welcome, Danielle!
Ashli
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.
Anna Geiger
I’m sorry you had a wasted hour, Ashli. When I use Adobe Reader, it always has that option.
Ashli
where does it show that option?
Ashli
I have the latest verision of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Anna Geiger
I sent you an email so you can see my screen.
Cairn
Thank you!
Anna Geiger
You’re welcome, Cairn!
Helen Rogers
This is going to be great with my year 4s. It will help them no end with their reading.
Anna Geiger
I’m so glad you can use it, Helen!
Jennifer Hall
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.
Anna Geiger
You’re welcome, Jennifer! I hope you get a chance to use it.
yang
I have a Vocablury journal at school and I like it but my teacher tell me what is parts of speech is.