Strategy: Vocabulary Squares

Description: Vocabulary squares are a strategy in which students can build their vocabulary and demonstrate their understanding of a word in several ways.  There are many different ways to use vocabulary squares but one way is to have the students write the word, write the dictionary definition, define it in their own words, draw a picture depicting the meaning and use the word in a sentence. 

Benefits/Drawbacks: Vocabulary squares are an effective strategy because they require the student to apply new knowledge and the different ways of showing the definition helps move the definitions into their long-term memory.   Drawbacks are that not all words translate well into drawing and some words and terms may be difficult to use in a sentence.

How to Use Vocabulary Squares:

1.)   Teacher gives vocabulary square sheet to students.

2.)   Students make a list of words they do not understand from a reading.

3.)   Using the vocabulary square sheet students look up the word in the dictionary and write the definition in the appropriate square.

4.)   Students put the dictionary definition into their own words in appropriate square.

5.)   Students draw a visual representation of the word in the appropriate square.

6.)   Students write a sentence using the word correctly in the appropriate square.

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Word to Define: _______________________________________

Dictionary definition:	Definition in my own words:
Picture/Visual Representation:	Use the word properly in a sentence: