Word skills (Definitions Exercises)

‘Definitions’ exercises provide students with practice in constructing definitions.

These exercises start in lesson forty-one. Students learn that definitions provide word meanings. They learn a two-step operation consisting of identifying a class for the word being defined then telling something about the word that is only true of that object.

The Process

• Say; “We’re going to make up a definition for corn. First, we name a class. Then we say something that is true of only corn. Remember, first we name a class. What do we do first when we make up a definition?” and signal (hand-drop).

• Say; “Next we say something that is true of only corn. What do we do next?” and signal (hand-drop).

• Say; “Once more. Everybody what do we do first?” and signal (hand-drop).  Ask; “What do we do next?’ and signal (hand-drop).

• Say; “Now let’s make up a definition. Everybody, what do we do first?” and signal (hand-drop). 

• Say; “Name a class for corn” and call on individual students.

• Say; “Yes, corn is a food (or corn is a plant). We named a class. Now what do we do?” and signal (hand-drop).

• Say; “Yes, now say something that is true of only corn” and call on one or two students. Accept all reasonable responses but use ‘It grows on ears'”.

• Say; “Yes, it grows on ears. I’ll say the definition for corn: Corn is food that grows on ears. Your turn. Say the definition for corn. Get ready” and signal (hand-drop). Repeat until firm.

• Repeat the process for ‘tree’.

• Review the definitions for ‘corn’ and ‘tree’.

Turn to page 27 in ‘RMSE-LA 1’ Teacher’s Guide. Practice lesson 41, exercise 1 with your partner with no student-errors.