The Brown Bag Teacher

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7-Up Vocabulary Practice

Today I wanted to share about about using 7-Up to introduce new vocabulary. This is a quick and material-free way to engage students with words they are learning!

When introducing a new word to students, our school follows Jan Richardson’s method. Then, we throw in a little 7-Up twist. It looks something like this –
  1. Say the word out-loud and have students repeat/write it.
  2. Define the word for students.
  3. Give students an example and a non-example. {Example: Bill was a very obstinate young man, refusing to go get the package because it was raining. Non-example: With a little coaxing, Ann agreed to check with mail in the pouring rain.}
  4. Ask students to connect to the word and share their connection with a partner.
  5. 7-Up!
One of my most frustrating vocabulary moments is when I introduce a word and ask students to use it in a sentence. The scenario plays out like this…

          Me: Now, in your mind, use the word “obstinate” in a sentence.
          {insert awkward silence of think time}
          Me: Okay, 3’s please stand to share your sentence.
          Student 1: Mom says I am obstinate.
          Student 2: He is very obstinate.
          Student 3: I try not to be obstinate.
          {insert face palm} 

We just wasted over a minute of classtime thinking and sharing about the word obstinate, and I have no idea if students actually understand what the word means. Here enters the game of 7-up.

So, you repeat the above Steps 1-4, but when asking students to use the word in a sentence you tell them they’re going to play 7-up. They get all excited because it’s a “game” and then, you say their sentence has to have at least 7 words. Then, someone shouts out “That’s going to be hard!” To which, you respond, “I challenge you to play my game.” My kids are ALL about games and challenges, so they immediately want to ‘beat’ me for the BEST sentence. After students have shared with a shoulder partner, they nominate 3 peers to read their sentence for the class and we vote for the most phenomenal example of the word.

Ha – simple right?!? In 1-2 minutes, students have heard, written, connected with, used, and listened to the word in action. Plus, they had fun because they thought it was a game! I always use 7-up as a whole-class, but also pull it our during small groups. When I use it in small groups, I pull out colored index cards (oooohhhh) and have students write their sentence, as well.

Well, friends, that’s it. Quick and easy vocabulary instruction that helps students have 8-10 exposures to a word in just 2ish minutes! Thank you SO much for stopping by. If you’re interested in other FREE classroom resources and freebies, sign-up here for teaching ideas to land in your inbox each month.  
Now, for a question – How do you introduce new vocabulary to students???

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Comments

    • Kate says

      February 2, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Isn't it just terrible?! Thanks so much for stopping by, Sarah. I absolutely love your visual lesson plans! We have to have our plans 'checked' every week by our Principal, and I am sure she would love it, too. 🙂

      Reply

  7. Vocab Monk says

    August 30, 2014 at 10:23 am

    We use spoken and written words every single day to communicate ideas, thoughts, and emotions to those around us. Sometimes we communicate successfully, and sometimes we’re not quite so successful. To be successful in proper communication of thoughts we need adequate words i.e. good vocabulary skill set. To improve click https://vocabmonk.com.

    Reply

  8. Amy Krebs says

    October 4, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    We talk about 7Up sentences when we write sentences but I never thought of using it in as game. GREAT idea. I also like to show a picture of the vocabulary word in action thanks to my SIOP training. It really helps my ELD kids connect with the word.

    I also have a Thesaurus on the walls of my classroom. My kids reference it continuously to help add more interesting and precise words to their sentences. Check out my post here for more info. http://www.inspirationforeducation.net/2014/09/word-choice-and-compliments.html

    Reply

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