Magic Squares: Supporting ELA Vocabulary & Concepts {A Magical Giveaway}

I did it! I am taking the plunge.  I finished my first product for TPT.

Ahhhh!!! I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time.

But... y'all... I'm also so proud of my work. :)

Introducing... ELA Magic Squares

An Activity Pack to "Magically" Support 

ELA Vocabulary & Concepts

One of my student's favorite activities we did this year was our Non-Fiction Text Feature Magic Square. I knew it was popular in my room, but then I looked on TPT and it was popular there too! It was right then and there that I started imagining the possibilities and this is the final result! Isn't it cute?!

What are Magic Squares?

In the simplest form, a magic square is a puzzle. The puzzle itself consists of 9 squares that contain vocabulary words and their definitions. When the square is completed correctly, all definitions match up and the border of the square is left completely blank. (Which is awesome for teachers because you can quick check student work in seconds!!)

How can Magic Squares be used?
Magic squares can be used as a whole group activity, literacy station, review, or intervention activity. You can run individual copies for students have them glue completed squares on construction paper or in their ELA journals for reference. You can also copy squares on colored paper, laminate, and use over and over again in stations to build student's problem solving skills and content vocabulary mastery. The choice is yours.

How do Magic Squares support student learning?
Magic squares give students an opportunity to revisit the vocabulary they have learned in a new and different way. As teachers, we present material in many ways to help our students make connections and "lock in" their learning. This is just one more great strategy for students to work with the content vocabulary but in a new context. The puzzle element challenges even the highest students in your class. For the kids who want a quick match up game, the magic square pushes them to think outside the box. They must manipulate the pieces, use problem solving skills, and review the content vocabulary all at the same time.

What vocabulary is covered in this activity pack?
The ELA magic squares that are included in this packet cover the a variety of topics covered throughout the year, including:

• Non-Fiction Text Features & Purpose
• Reading Genres 
• Poetry Terms
• Drama Terms
• Writing Terms
• Parts of Speech

How should I introduce this to my class?
Don't give too much away! That takes away from the fun. I tell them they are getting a vocabulary puzzle.  Their job is to match the vocabulary word with the definition. They will know they have completed the square when the outside border is blank. (I usually draw a sample on the board, so they know what I mean by a clean edge). The only other hint I give is to start in the center. The center square is the only square with all four sides filled with writing (vocab word or definition) From there, I let them figure it out. Do some get frustrated a first?  Yes. Do they give up?  Never! They always want to figure it out and the feeling of success they have when they do is priceless!! 

My class LOVED this activity and I hope your class will too.  

How about a freebie?
Sure! I can't wait to share the fun! Click here to grab your free Text Feature Magic Square from my TPT store today! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and valued.

Now for the giveaway...

To win a copy of Magic Squares: An Activity Pack to "Magically" Support ELA Vocabulary & Concepts Grades 3-5 just enter the giveaway below! 

Don't forget to check out my TPT store for other great activities and freebies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Great Review for Content or Vocabulary

 

Have you ever played Taboo or Catch Phrase?  These are two of my favorite party games.  Basically, you give clues to your team to help them guess the mystery word. Sooo much fun!

I have incorporated this game in my classroom for review of academic vocabulary or content in all subject areas. The kids love it and it takes zero prep work so I love it too!

Here we go:

1) Students choose partners.  One partner sits in a chair facing away from the projector screen.  The other partner stands in front of them waiting for the word list.

2) Teacher puts up word list.  Students give any clues they can to help their partner guess the words in order.  (I write the lists write on the spot and include a mix of words from things we have been studying and some words just for fun.)

Sample List:

1. erosion
2. factor
3. hippopotamus
4. fraction
5. weathering
6. renewable resource
7. Cinderella

3) Students have 2 minutes to give clues and help their partner guess all the words. I will stop time early if it looks like the kids have breezed through everything.

4) We quickly discuss the kinds of clues that were given for the academic words.  How did you get your partner to guess fraction? What words did you use to describe renewable resources?

5) Partners switch roles and participate in another round. I usually mix in some of the same words on each word list so that the really important words get reviewed over and over again.  

You can play as many rounds as you want and use this fun activity to review for any subject.  Have fun!