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Since one of the largest hurdles we have to face here at Holly Hill Middle is vocabulary development, we play a game I call "Stump the Class." Because the newspaper is a great tool for introducing students to new vocabulary words, we use it regularly in reading class. However, building new vocabulary traditionally can be intimidating to some. As a result, this is a quick game designed to introduce new vocabulary and also take away any negative feelings about encountering strange new words. We play "Stump the Class." Ask students to search for words they do not know and that they think no one else in the class will know either. If they find a "stumper," they get a point. Write the "stumpers" on the board or overhead, and have each student stumper read the section of the article in which it was located. Now, having heard the context clues from the passage, have students infer as to the meaning of the word, giving hints as necessary for complete understanding. Use these words on other days throughout the year in crossword puzzles, synonym/antonym work, etc. to keep the "stumper´s" meaning in the forefront of the brain. Through continuous review activities as well as oral discussions and written work on other matters, I realize the newly acquired vocabulary is becoming a part of the students´ reading, listening, speaking and writing vocabularies. The kids really enjoy participating in this activity since it doesn´t seem like "real" work--especially when candy rewards are involved for the "Stumper" along with the point for identification of a "stumper."

Rebecca Fries
7th Grade Intensive Reading
Holly Hill Middle School

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