What is a Word Web? At first glance, you might think that a vocabulary word web or word map is a simple way for students to record the definition and related words to a specific focus word. Although this thought would be correct, I’m here to tell you that a word map/web used correctly can be so much more than that. It’s not necessarily the vocabulary themed graphic organizer itself that is going to significantly expand students’ knowledge of the focus word, it’s more of HOW you use the word web in your classroom that matters! A word web/word map is the first turn on the cross country road trip that ends with students’ deep knowledge of the focus word.
💌 Before we get down and dirty with all things word webs, I want to share about a unique opportunity to join our Word Lovers Community! Whether you are brand new to teaching vocabulary, or a veteran looking to spice up your word learning activities, you have come to the right place! Join for exclusive vocabulary teaching tips and activity ideas sent directly to your inbox. Here is a preview of the types of resources I share. Share your email below to hop on board the Word Lovers Train!
Out With the Old, In With the New
Did you know that choosing an arbitrary word list and having students look up the definition doesn’t actually increase their vocabulary acquisition? Even when they write a connected sentence and memorize it. It won’t take long to figure out that these exercises don’t increase students’ reading, writing and conversational language.
But, that’s how I was taught new vocabulary words in school, weren’t you? That being said, I remember ZERO words that were on those arbitrary word lists. If anything, I remember getting frustrated trying to memorize the definitions of words I had never seen before. Plus, I would probably never use them in conversation. These weren’t even words from books we were reading as a class. They were just copied out of a textbook that my teacher was told she had to use in her classroom. We call this the “assign, define and test” strategy.
So, if that doesn’t work, what does? In the words of my favorite vocabulary guru Janet Allen, “Knowing what didn’t work was easy. Finding and reading the research to word knowledge was also not very difficult. Knowing how to implement that research in effective, interesting ways turned out to be the hard part.”
The HOW is where most teachers I know get stuck. If the only strategy you know how to implement in your classroom isn’t an effective one, where can you find one that is? Don’t worry my friends, I’ve got you every step of the way.
Much More Than a Worksheet
Before we get too far down the road of non-“assign, define and test” vocabulary teaching strategies, I want to make something crystal clear. I create and share a LOT of vocabulary worksheets. To be exact, almost every post on this blog points you to a resource to take your vocabulary teaching to the next level. And 75% of those resources are worksheets.
One would think this worksheet model would be the “define” section of the “assign, define and test” strategy we are trying to stay clear of. But, I am here to scream from the rooftops that this is so far from the truth. It is HOW you use the worksheet that matters most.
⭐️ Today, you are going to learn that it’s not actually the word web that works magic. It’s HOW you use the word web that makes your magical spell truly stick.
Conversations Themed Around Vocabulary
Whether you’ve read every post on my blog, or this is your first, you will quickly learn that I believe the special ingredient for teaching vocabulary is to provide students with multiple opportunities to TALK about words. When they’re not talking ABOUT words they should be talking WITH the new words we’ve just learned.
I primarily create, share and use vocabulary worksheets in my classroom as conversation starters. I rarely ask students to complete a worksheet themed around a vocabulary word and then never have them go back to it again. These worksheets/resources/note taking sheets (whatever you want to call them!) act as a place to stop and jot thoughts before joining a small group or classroom conversation. My students travel to morning meeting, small groups and reading circles with their vocabulary notebooks, note taking worksheets and personal word lists.
Foster a Word Loving Classroom Community
The words I teach become members of our classroom. We hang them on the word wall. We use them in conversation. We practice and play with them at home. We incorporate them into our projects, we share them with our friends from other classes… I could go on all day.
⭐️ To truly create a classroom that fosters a love of words you have to LOVE these words yourself. If you’re not in love, put your best acting face on, and get in love quickly. You need to act like these words are the best thing since sliced bread.
So, all of this to say that the way I use a word web/word map for vocabulary instruction is far different than how you may have seen it implemented in the past. I use it as an avenue for introducing a new word. To spark conversation and help students connect the focus word to words/concepts they already know.
What is a Vocabulary Word Map or Word Web?
A vocabulary word map or word web is a style of graphic organizer that is themed around one focus vocabulary word. The focus word usually goes in the middle or on the top. Then, other related words, phrases, examples and meanings radiate out from it. This helps students to explore the meaning of the word in depth. Plus, make connections to other words or phrases they may already know. Some common areas on a word web are: definition, synonyms, antonyms, examples, non-examples, origin, stems and part of speech.
💻 If you’re looking to incorporate technology into your vocabulary lesson, encourage students to explore the focus word on a digital word web site. Learn more in my blog post, Say Hello to the Virtual Word Web!
Word Map for Vocabulary Implementation Tips
As a class, we learn a new word every week. To kick off this word learning, we fill out a word web together. I have students grab a clipboard and gather on the rug. We huddle up as if we’re about to learn a top secret football play that no one else can know about. I make sure to get very excited about the new focus word of the week. I then pass out the word web/word map sheet. I use this to spark a conversation about related words we already know. When also discuss examples of when and where the focus word may show up in real life situations. I project this word web onto the board, and all together we take notes and make connections.
Another way to use the word web is as a pre-teaching/warm-up tool before you introduce the new focus word. Before your lesson, you could ask students to use a dictionary, thesaurus or digital word web generator to help them fill in their word web graphic organizer. This can be done with a partner or independently. Then, you could come back together as a class to discuss their findings. Also, make sure everyone has the correct understanding of the word and synonyms that relate!
Whether you’re using the word web during your lesson or before, the most important thing is that you’re leading a conversation about the new focus word. I will never stop saying it, getting students to TALK about words is how you get vocabulary words to stick!
Example of Vocabulary Word Map
Depending on the word theme of the month (character trait, social studies vocabulary, etc.), I mix up what aspects of the focus word that the web is asking students to identify. Sometimes we only focus on the definition, synonyms and antonyms. Other times, I want them to share when they would hear this word, who would say it and what type of emotions go with this word.
It’s not rocket science which word web I use when. Before I decide, I try to fill it out myself. If I’m not successful, students won’t be either. Words will quickly lend themselves to one style of word web versus another. If you have trouble filling out the first style of word web for the word of the week, try style 2, style 3, etc.
⭐️ Word webs are simple to create, but even simple things take time. Since your teacher time is so precious, I’ve created 12 Vocabulary Word Web Graphic Organizer Templates that require zero prep! These are adaptable for any type of focus word. Whether you’re teaching science vocabulary words, or just a handful of rich words from your read aloud text, there is a word web in this pack that will work for you!
Time Management Pro Tip
As I’ve shared many times in past blog posts, I choose one word a week for our classroom vocabulary lessons. Do the math, this equals 4-5 words a month. Each month I choose a theme, whether it’s a whole month of character trait words or words related to our social studies unit, etc.
Slow and steady wins the race here folks. It really doesn’t matter what words you choose, just make sure they are relevant to your classroom and students lives. If they are words kids will never come across again, they are less likely to use them in conversation, thus less likely to remember them.
Don’t forget, it’s all about depth of knowledge of quality words, not memorizing a large quantity of random ones!
⏰ To save yourself time each week, at the beginning of the month, choose your 4-5 focus words for the next few weeks. To help students develop a routine, use the SAME vocabulary activities each week for all 4-5 weeks. Once you choose the words and activities, prepare your resources in bulk. For me, that means making 4-5 vocabulary activity/worksheet packets for each student. Just like that, you have a whole month of focus words, lessons and activities! Learn more about my 5 favorite vocabulary activities, here!
Classroom Management Pro Tip
As you start to teach 4-5 words per month the worksheets/note taking sheets you have students use will add up fast. Come up with a way to keep all of these activities organized, whether it’s in a word study/vocabulary folder, or in an interactive notebook.
Make sure to model how kids can refer back to their folder/notebook when they can’t remember the meaning of a past focus word. This notebook/folder will act as an archive of all of the words you’ve taught this year.
Of course, now that you know all of the secrets to effective vocabulary teaching, you’re going to be teaching a LOT of words 😉. So, develop a routine of cleaning out students’ vocabulary folders every so often. I suggest every 3 months or so. Make sure they keep 1 artifact from each focus word, like the word web! This way no words are left behind!
❤️ Remember, it’s more about HOW you use the word web than which word web you choose. Use these as conversation starters and let it flow! All in all, the purpose of any vocabulary activity should be to get students to use these words in conversation. That is the special ingredient for getting vocabulary words to stick!
I invite you to comment with your success stories themed around using word webs in your classroom! Or please share any other tips and tricks for building a word learning routine.
I look forward to continuing to share low investment, high return ways to spice up your vocabulary lessons. Until next time, make today meaningful, friends 💕 .
🎥 Learn More About My 12 Pack of Vocabulary Word Maps & Word Webs in this Video:
💌 Loving these vocabulary word webs? Join my email list to access exclusive freebies and monthly tips and tricks for fostering a classroom culture that buzzes with new words!
More Vocabulary Word Web/Word Map related articles:
- Say Hello to the Virtual Word Web by Vocabulicious
- Using a Word Web to Expand Vocabulary by The SLP Solution
- Word Maps by Reading Rockets
- Using Word Maps to Introduce Concepts by Vocabulary.com
Search for Solutions Here:
Word Web Examples | Using Word Webs for Vocabulary
What is a Word Web?
A word web is a graphic organizer that provides more information about a word. Word webs can help children learn new vocabulary words and connect those words to other words that they already know. This is a very effective tool for helping to boost vocabulary and language skills for all children, but especially those with language delays.
For more resources on helping boost vocabulary skills in children, click here.
Vocabulary and Question Flashcards
Basic Vocab and Categories Cards
Word Web Example 1:
Single Word Web
One way to use a word web to expand a child’s vocabulary is to find new words and discuss them at length. You can do this by creating a word web that maps out the new word. Go through a book with the child that is at or slightly above his reading level. Pick out a word from that book that the child doesn’t know the meaning of. You could also do this with an assigned reading from school. Chances are those words will come up again. Draw the following word web on a piece of paper. If desired, stick that paper in a page protector so that you can write on it with dry erase markers and use it again.
Write the target word in the middle of the word web and then fill in the circles that surround it. Use another piece of paper if you need more room. Here’s what to put in each circle:
Part of Speech:
Include if it is a noun (person/place/thing), verb (action word), adjective (describes a noun), adverb (describes a verb), preposition (location word like on and in), conjunction (combining words like and/but), interjection (ah ha! Or uh oh!).
Synonyms:
Identify words that mean the same thing as the target word.
Antonyms:
Identify words that mean the opposite of the target word.
Category:
If applicable, talk about what category the word belongs to. If it is a noun, use categories like “foods” or “clothing”.
Word Parts and Meaning:
Break the word apart into as many pieces as you can that still have some sort of meaning. For example, the words “balls” can be broken down into the root “ball” and the plural “s”. “Ball” means the object and “s” means there is more than one. For another example, “repositioning” could be broken down into “re” (again), “position” (movement or placing), and “ing” (currently happening). On the other hand, “butterfly” cannot be broken down any further as it is its own thing. If you broke it down into “butter” and “fly”, it would have a completely different meaning. Talk about the parts of the word and what each one means. This will help your child learn to decode other new words when he encounters them.
Function
If it is a noun, talk about the function of that object. If it is a different part of speech, talk about what role the word has in the sentence. For example, the conjunction brings two thoughts together.
Descriptors
For nouns, use the five senses to describe the word. How does it feel, look, taste, sound, and smell? For verbs, include what adverbs you could use to describe the action. For the word run, you could use “quickly”, “slowly”, “staggeringly”, etc.
Other Info
Include any other information that you have about that word.
After creating this word web with a child, he will have a much better understanding of what that word means. You could either erase these pages and start again (such as if you’re using dry erase markers), or put them together into a book for his own personal dictionary.
Word Web Example 2:
Vocabulary Web
If a child is struggling with vocabulary from a particular unit or theme at school, try creating a vocabulary word web for common words that the child might encounter. Here’s what you can do.
Pick a unit or theme and find an age-appropriate text about that topic. You can use the child’s textbook or find a book at the library. Go through the text with the child and pick out 20-30 words that seem to be key vocabulary for that unit. Many textbooks with include a list of key vocabulary at the beginning or end of the chapter. Write all of those words on a piece of paper.
Next, look at the list with the child and see if you can find similar traits that would allow you to group the words into categories on your word web. You could group them by part of speech (see the description above). You could also group them by topic. For example, words about The Earth may be grouped by land, water, and sky.
Once you have some groups in mind, create a word web that has the topic/unit in the middle in a circle. Then create more circles for your groups and have those branching off the topic. Finally, have each word in its own circle that branches off of one group. Here’s an example to get you started:
Keep creating these word webs and the child’s vocabulary will grow like crazy! You can even have your child decorate them and hang them where he can review them later.
Additional Resources for Teaching Vocabulary to Children
We have more resources for improving vocabulary skills in children. Check out our other materials here:
Identifying Main Idea and Details
No-Prep Therapy Materials
Word Finding Therapy Kit
Activities for Word Retrieval
Speech and Language Therapy Guide
Activities for 39 Language Skills
About the Author: Carrie Clark, MA CCC-SLP
Hi, I’m Carrie! I’m a speech-language pathologist from Columbia, Missouri, USA. I’ve worked with children and teenagers of all ages in schools, preschools, and even my own private practice. I love digging through the research on speech and language topics and breaking it down into step-by-step plans for my followers.
Fun Fact: Most of the pictures from my oldest version of products came from my roommate and I driving around Missouri taking pictures of things. We made a trip to the zoo, a farm, and other places so I could get a full, robust photo library to use for my images. So I apologize if the older stuff has some odd pictures. Sometimes things were just too hard to find and we had to improvise!
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7 Comments
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Chris Gerber
March 23, 2013 at 4:19 pm — ReplyThanks Carrie! I’m always looking for vocab ideas for clinic and even thought of an adaptation for the preschool.
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Wonderful! Feel free to share that adaptation here so others can use it, too!
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Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I have read
stuff from. Thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will
just bookmark this page. -
Amazing article written by the author. Thanks for providing me in depth knowledge on how can I expand my vocabulary.
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I love grammar! I have been brushing on some writing skills, and this blog helped make certain things very clear. Thank you so much!
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Kena Roth
November 23, 2021 at 10:17 am — ReplyYou are very welcome, Fiona! Please let us know if you have any questions.
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Interesting ideas that parents can follow through for their kids learning needs.
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Comprehension strategies are seen as one of the most effective ways of helping struggling readers. In this article we explore the rationale behind the mini-skill ‘Word Web’ — 9 of 12 in our comprehension resource
Vocabulary development is a crucial part of developing comprehension. The Word Web mini-skill is an excellent way to introduce words that learners might not have come across before, and extend their vocabulary.
What is a Word Web?
In this mini-skill learners are presented with a word taken from the chapter they have just read. They can have a think about what the word means, then decide if any of the six surrounding words in the word web have the same or similar meaning.
As our guide, the Master says: “First word – think about what it might mean. Click on any word you think might be the same. Get spotting those synonyms!”
How does it work?
In this example, the learners are invited to select words similar to the word ‘gravely’.
The learner can find the word where it is highlighted in the text and read it in context to try and create their own meaning.
They can then look at the six other words in the word web and decide which are the same or similar in meaning to ‘gravely’. If the learner is not familiar with the highlighted word and its meaning, the other words in the word web they may know or recognize, can help to make meaning. It’s a great visual device to show how words are connected or related. It’s also an excellent way in which to encourage the development of the learners’ independence – they can try to work out the meaning for themselves.
Of the six words introduced in the word web, four will be similar or synonyms and two will be antonyms. Including antonyms is a great way for the learners to develop and extend their vocabulary, it’s an ideal context in which to introduce new words. The selected words are useful words which can be taken on board and used by the learners in their writing straight away. The strategy will help learners in recognizing and developing the use of a wide range of vocabulary in their everyday reading and writing, and can be useful across different genres, and when reading different texts.
Why not use dictionaries and dictionary definitions?
Counter-intuitively, for struggling readers dictionaries and definitions are actually a poor way to develop vocabulary. We’ve written about it previously here.
What do you think?
We’d love to hear your thoughts about Word Web as a comprehension strategy, and ways that you’ve integrated this practice into your classroom. Have you seen anything special?
The ReadingWise Demo
Short, friendly and informative — you might like to arrange a demo with our team at a time to suit you.So far we’ve reached many thousands of learners and would love to explore working with you if it might help more children read.
Arrange your 20-minute demo at a time to suit you.
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How do you write a vocabulary word Web?
What is a vocabulary word examples? An example of vocabulary is all the words that a toddler understands. An example of vocabulary is the language used by doctors. All the words of a language. A list of words and often phrases, usually arranged alphabetically and defined or translated; a lexicon or glossary.
What is a part of speech word web? pronunciation: web parts of speech: noun, transitive verb features: Word Combinations (noun), Word History, Word Explorer. part of speech: noun.
How do I open word web? WordWeb Pro can look up words in virtually any program with just one click: just hold down the Ctrl key and right-click on the word. If you are online, with one extra click you can also search web references, for example Wikipedia. The hotkey can be customized, or you can use a keyboard shortcut if you prefer.
What are the 4 types of vocabulary?
Educators often consider four types of vocabulary: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Listening vocabulary refers to the words we need to know to understand what we hear.
What type of word is Web?
As detailed above, ‘web’ can be a verb or a noun. Noun usage: The sunlight glistened in the dew on the web. Noun usage: Let me search the web for that. Noun usage: He caught the ball in the web.
Is Web a noun or a verb?
WEB (noun) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
What is the purpose of Word Web?
Word webs support student understanding by comparing and contrasting words and providing examples of word usage in context. The strategy helps learners acquire and use academic and domain-specific words (Tier Two and Three) and phrases.
What is vocabulary in grammar?
The noun vocabulary (or vocab for short) refers to the words used in a language. The word vocabulary can have at least three different meanings: 1. all of the words in a language. New words are constantly being added to the vocabulary of English.
What is the sentence of wept?
He wept, as only a man who is not used to weeping can weep. The woman refused the money; she did not want it; she wept. She wept for joy when she saw that she was going to have one. They wept crocodile tears over the poor tenants’ predicament.
How do I download a dictionary in Word?
Go to the Review tab and click Define (in the Proofing group). If you haven’t signed in already, you will be prompted to do so now. Look over the choices in the Dictionaries list, and then click Download to install the dictionary you want. After it downloads, the dictionary will open automatically in Word.
What causes poor vocabulary?
There were some factors that caused students’ difficulties in learning vocabulary (1) the written form is different from the spoken form in English, (2) The number of words that students need to learn is exceedingly large, (3) the limitations of sources of information about words, (4) The complexity of word knowledge.
What are two major types of vocabulary?
Vocabulary in English can be categorized into two types, namely, active and passive vocabulary. The words that we use and understand in day to day language is termed as active vocabulary while the ones which we know but use rarely are said to be passive vocabulary.
How do you classify vocabulary?
VOCAB. The most common way to classify words is by their parts of speech. Traditional English grammar classifies words based on eight parts of speech: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction and interjection.
What word takes 3 hours to say?
You will be surprised to know that the longest word in English has 1, 89,819 letters and it will take you three and a half hours to pronounce it correctly. This is a chemical name of titin, the largest known protein.
Is YEET a word?
So yeet is a word that means “to throw,” and it can be used as an exclamation while throwing something. It’s also used as a nonsense word, usually to add humor to an action or verbal response.
What is web in simple words?
The internet is a huge network of computers all connected together. The world wide web (‘www’ or ‘web’ for short) is a collection of webpages found on this network of computers. Your web browser uses the internet to access the web.
What is web example?
A website (also written as web site) is a collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Notable examples are wikipedia.org, google.com, and amazon.com. All publicly accessible websites collectively constitute the World Wide Web.
Which one is a verb browser?
1[intransitive, transitive] to look at a lot of things in a store rather than looking for one particular thing You are welcome to come in and browse. 2[intransitive, transitive] browse (through) something to look through the pages of a book, newspaper, etc.
Is web a common noun?
There are MILLIONS of websites, and the word “website” is a common noun. There is only ONE Google, and the word “Google” is a proper noun. A proper noun is the name of something unique, like me (Joe). You can learn about proper nouns here.
What type of noun is web?
1[countable] = spiderweb A spider had spun a perfect web outside the window. 2[countable] a complicated pattern of things that are closely connected to each other a web of streets We were caught in a tangled web of relationships. She discovered a web of intrigue in the company.
What is a verb Web?
: to construct or form a web. transitive verb. 1 : to cover with a web or network. 2 : ensnare, entangle. 3 : to provide with a web.
What is frayer model?
A FRAYER MODEL is a graphic organizer that helps students determine or clarify the meaning of vocabulary words encountered while listening, reading, and viewing texts. It is used before reading to activate background knowledge, during reading to monitor vocabulary, or after reading to assess vocabulary.
#write #vocabulary #word #Web
By using this system, you will learn 10-15 times more vocabulary every time you look up the meaning of a word! You’ll also remember more of what you study, because you’ll be making mental connections and learning in an interesting way. The secret is using word webs. This powerful learning tool will change the way you learn vocabulary and idioms. In this video, I’ll explain what a word web is, how to use it to learn English, and finally I’ll do an example word web with you.
Quiz
Test your understanding of this English lesson
Test your understanding of the English lesson by answering these questions. You will get the answers and your score at the end of the quiz.
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