6+Traits,+Word+Choice

=Word Choice= =By: Melanie Brushaber-Goulding, Dawn Cross and Ashley Zengerski=

1. Word Choice
Word Choice is the use of rich, colorful, precise language that communicates not just in a functional way, but in a way that moves and enlightens the reader. In descriptive writing, strong word choice resulting in imagery, especially sensory, show-me writing, clarifies and expands ideas. In persuasive writing, purposeful word choice moves the reader to a new vision of ideas. In all modes of writing figurative language such as metaphors, similes and analogies articulate, enhance, and enrich the content. Strong word choice is characterized not so much by an exceptional vocabulary chosen to impress the reader, but more by the skill to use everyday words well. []

2.This video was done by an 11 year old girl, and it speaks to kids on their level, by some one htey can identify with. media type="custom" key="20378130"

3. George Orwell's //1984// is a book filled with great examples for analyzing word choice. As the book progresses there are noticeable changes that correlate to the novel's plot. Reading this text in digital form on an ereader has the potential to create a more productive and efficient method for understanding. Students have the ability to highlight and comment on the text without worrying about the repercussions of writing in a book. The use of highlighting on the ereader may result in more questions about word choice in class, simply because the student has a better way to record their thoughts as they read. Most ereaders also feature a text-to-speech option, which can help all students analyze the text. Hearing the word choice may bring out different connotations, thus providing deeper analysis on the students' behalf.

Amazon's Kindle version can be found here

4.This site has lots of educationally apppropriate games and activities for word choice, as well as word play that younger students can use to get started on their own writing and vocabulary building. []



Another tool: By the time students get to high school, one of the most important things students need to work on to improve word choice is vocabulary. By having an extensive vocabulary, students can choose the word that really connotes their meaning. There are many online games for improving and testing vocabulary: here is a link that provides a few.

5. This short lesson plan shows how the teacher is really having the students do most of the work. It allows them to be individuals while still evaluating this skill.

Word Choice

 * Assist students in comprehending how word choice affects a reader's mental image by reading the book "Stellaluna," by Janell Cannon. As the book is read, ask students to listen and take note of describing words they hear. After the story, discuss phrases and words that the students recognized in the book. Allow each student to choose four phrases or words from the book to illustrate in their own miniature book. Create a presentation time for each student to share their unique interpretation of the words.
 * [] The rest of the lesson is on this site

6. In what ways could you use this 6+1 trait in the classroom with elementary level students? What are some ways to assess students' ability to grasp the concept of word choice?