January Vocabulary Words in the Classroom
It’s a new year! New year, new you! January has a lot of holidays and a lot of new vocabulary and themes! Building January vocabulary words in the classroom should naturally weave throughout your day. Helping students generalize a list of vocabulary words doesn’t have to be boring. I am going to share with you some fun ways of teaching vocabulary in the month of January. For other January ideas visit my January category on my blog!
When I was in the classroom, I liked using seasonal vocabulary words to keep things exciting in the classroom. My January vocabulary words product has 20 words outlined for the month of January for you!
Vocabulary Words
What are some ways you can utilize different vocabulary cards?
- Display them
- Memory Game
- Scavenger Hunt
I think its always a good idea to have a January vocabulary word wall somewhere displayed in your classroom. I personally used my vocabulary words at my language arts center during work centers, however they really can be displayed wherever works for you. It might be beneficial to display them in your morning meeting area for a quick morning review of words!
The thing I love about flashcards is that you can use them to play so many games! Simply print two sets, or two different versions (text and picture etc) and play a game of memory.
Another fun way to incorporate vocabulary flashcards is to play a game of scavenger hunt. During recess/lunch or any break when the students are outside, hide vocabulary cards around the room! You can tuck them behind things, pin them up on a bulletin board, stuff in books. The options are limitless and are SO fun. Simply have a student find a vocabulary card and have them either say the word, use the word in a sentence, draw a picture of the word, write the word etc. You can easily turn the scavenger hunt game into a constructive activity!
Picture and text vocabulary words:
Vocabulary Activities
Incorporating vocabulary activities into your day is a great way to help students generalize their new vocabulary words in a fun way. Here are some ideas for you.
Coloring worksheets are a great way to have fun while talking vocabulary!
Various spelling and writing worksheets are a good way for students to generalize their January vocabulary words. These worksheets can also be used as pre and post test for the month. Simply print and use in work centers or send home for homework!
BINGO is a no brainer. BINGO is a great fun Friday activity. Generalize the vocabulary in a fun way. You can play it as a whole class (20 cards included) or play during work centers!
File folder activities are a go to for EVERY skill. I love them, and used them religiously in the classroom. My January vocabulary words pack includes 4 different file folder games for the classroom.
The file folders included are:
Directed Drawing for the Month of January
Now, it may seem obvious, but art and drawing is a PERFECT way to incorporate some vocabulary generalization! I love using my directed drawing worksheets for easy differentiation. When I was in the classroom, I would typically model one large drawing on the white board first, and then have students complete their own directed drawing worksheet at their desk. I love these because all students are drawing at their own level but still drawing the same thing! You can also use these to guide a larger painting activity. Have students draw their picture on a poster and have them paint it! My January directed drawing product comes with 8 different themed directed drawing themes with five levels each!
Tracing directed drawing is a perfect level for beginning artists. Students can trace and color the picture.
4 step directed drawing teaches the students to draw the picture in four simple steps, perfect for emerging artists!
6 step directed drawing teaches the students to draw the picture in six simple steps, perfect for emerging artists!
Copying directed drawing is for those ALMOST independent artists! Simply copy the model of the picture!
Lastly, for those independent artists, students can draw an image all on their own!
January Books and Activities
I love talking about Penguins in the month of January. Penguins and snow are ALL things January, even in sunny California! I love to collect picture books. The more books, the better! below are some of my favorite books that can be used in January.
- Where’s the Penguin? by Sophie Schrey
- If You Were a Penguin by Florence Minor
- Good Morning, Snowplow! by Deborah Bruss
- The Snowy Nap by Jan Brett
- Snow by Uri Shulevitz
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater
- Be Brave, Little Penguin by Giles Andreae
- Where Is My Butt? by Donald Budge
- Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
January Videos
January vocabulary words can also be generalized into various songs and videos on you tube. I love to use morning meeting as a time to watch a quick vocabulary video. I would also sometimes display a video during rest time after lunch! Here are a few of my favorite you tube videos/songs for the month of January:
These winter/weather songs are PERFECT for your morning meeting and/or calendar routine. I also love these winter break break songs for January!
January is a fun month. A lot of changes, a lot of transitions and a lot of learning opportunities. If you are interested in implementing vocabulary this school year, consider purchasing the discounted bundle!
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