I am a former elementary school teacher (grades 2, 3, and 5) turned homeschooling mom. Regardless of which pedagogy homeschooling families use for their curriculum needs, we find ourselves utilizing many instructional resources, whether it be a workbook series or following a blog online for ideas and support. I am writing today to let you know how much (okay, I will admit I am obsessed with this workbook!) Evan-Moor’s Vocabulary Fundamentals workbook has been such a lifesaver AND key instructor for my curriculum instruction!
I have used Evan-Moor products for years, both in the classroom and home, too. They have always provided me with the materials I was looking for without having to create something on my own (which can be rewarding, but let’s be honest, no one has the time to do that for each lesson to be taught!). This is the first year that I have utilized this workbook, and I don’t know what I would do without it. I purchased it because of what the table of contents listed, but I did not realize the depth of the material until it arrived in the mail. If I was teaching in a classroom, I can guarantee I would be using it to supplement my curriculum. While this workbook is published for grades 1–6, and is fabulous for the younger primary grades, this vocabulary series shines like no other for grades 4–6.
Here Is Why:
- Synonyms, antonyms, and homophones are introduced in the early primary years, typically by first grade. This is essential for children’s language development and should not be put on the back burner as they progress in school years. This workbook for grades 4, 5, and 6 has an entire unit dedicated for synonyms, antonyms, homophones and even homographs. Can I say how wonderful this is?
I will usually provide my child with task cards (that I have created) that focus on one of these topics and then continue the lesson with the review pages from the workbook. This works wonders for me to provide a floor activity with movement and then to wrap the lesson with a writing application such as the pages from the workbook. - Figurative language for idioms is included! Figurative language can actually be really enjoyable to teach if you have a pre-determined plan on how you are going to get the kids to decipher between the different types of figurative language. I always provide laugh-worthy activities, so it is not always apparent that teaching/learning is taking place; I might have to change my plan of action if my kids read this! While these moments are great, I like to have some follow-up pages to ensure connections took place. My child was extremely receptive to the idiom section of the workbook and actually preferred solving the answers by color-coordinating the choices and answers!
- Root words are an entire unit! How many of us always wished we had learned Latin and Greek root words while still in school… Seeing that there was an entire section dedicated to this made me so happy! What an incredible opportunity we can provide our kids by introducing these words at a younger age for additional exposure. In addition to solving the workbook pages, we utilize the words by using index cards to review the meanings and other words that contain the root word being studied. Time permitting, we will play review games that I created on the index cards (can you tell by now I have a slight affection for the 3 X 5 cards?).
- Did I say prefixes and suffixes? Yes, I certainly did! My most favorite aspect of this workbook for grades 4, 5, and 6 is that there is an entire unit dedicated to prefixes and suffixes. When I taught second and third grades, phonics was my favorite subject to teach. The ideas for instruction were limitless, and the kids were always receptive because they fed off of my excitement and energy for the subject! I have always been a firm believer that phonics instruction should not end at second or third grade. Vocabulary Fundamentals provides two separate units chalk-full of review work for the most commonly used prefixes and suffixes. Just like I mentioned above, I prefer to have a kinesthetic activity or something that gets my child out of the chair so the work never seems redundant. To follow up with whichever prefix or suffix we are studying, the workbook pages provide excellent clarification for instructional time.
- Last, but not least, Word Play is found at the back of the workbook. Word Play is essentially workbook pages that focus on vocabulary words while presenting them in different types of puzzles to solve for enjoyment. This section of the book is an excellent extension work opportunity if your child completes his/her work early.
Sample kinesthetic activities to include with your vocabulary lessons:
Circle-Step Synonyms and Antonyms:
Get them outside with clipboards and their work or utilize chalk on the driveway if word repetition is in order! You can also take simple outdoor games and turn them into educational reviews such as circle-step. Write words that are being studied in your Vocabulary Fundamentals unit so every time they land on that word, they can say the word out loud. The kids can be challenged by asking to furnish a synonym or antonym or by putting the selected word in a sentence.
Singing: If we are learning a new phonics skill, many times I will create an anchor chart (a condensed version of a resourceful bulletin board), and we will sing the anchor chart’s information out loud.
3X5 Card Prefix Ladder: Write prefixes from Vocabulary Fundamentals and line cards in a ladder format on the floor. Practice saying words that start with that prefix, moving up the ladder with each word.
By now, I am sure you get the picture on why I hold this workbook in such high regard! I highly suggest visiting Evan-Moor’s website and looking up the workbook to take a peek yourself. I hope reading this blog has provided help and insight for those who are looking for materials that are found in Vocabulary Fundamentals!
Wishing you the best in your homeschooling adventures,
Emilie
Emilie H. is a former elementary school teacher who currently homeschools her children. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-5) and Learning and Behavior Disorders (K-12). She is very passionate about planning and mapping curriculum and creating meaningful experiences for her children!