From Words to Wisdom: Expanding Our Students Language Toolbox

By Susie Rogers, 5th-8th ELA

Every other week, our students dive into their Wordly Wise notebooks to discover, research, analyze, and apply 15 new vocabulary words. This routine gives them the chance not only to study definitions, but to use words in real life contexts, which makes the learning stick.

Because everyone learns differently, we make sure to mix things up: some students thrive with workbook practice, while others enjoy a hands-on matching game or an online Blooket challenge that keeps the energy high. Our younger learners focus on understanding and recognizing the words, while our older students take it a step further by writing original sentences that use each word correctly.

Why does this matter? According to research, students with larger vocabularies score up to 50% higher on reading comprehension tests compared to peers with smaller vocabularies. A strong vocabulary improves not just test scores, but also communication, writing, and critical thinking skills.

As the writer Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”  By strengthening vocabulary, we open the doors to clearer thinking, better expression, and endless opportunities.

Enjoy my 8th Grade class sentences:

After Fischer found out he was going to a birthday party, he had a wonderful disposition. - Shepherd

There was an anonymous letter found in Christopher’s locker. - Lennox

It is absolutely imperative that you vote this year,” he added after awhile. - Boogie

My family has generations of the name, Swan Burrus Moss, over the years. - Rivers

My class let out a spontaneous laugh after Mrs. Rogers started dancing. - Hattie

William Shakespeare was the playwright of a vast anthology of plays. - Archer

My love for reading was instilled over the hot summer. - Elliot

The school has been modified by adding new buildings, getting new students and teachers, and redoing classrooms. - Jojo

The tall and strong metal fence that glistened in the sun encompassed the school’s large and vast campus. - Christopher

Extricating our car from the crowded highway was muchore difficult than I thought. - Poca

The conjecture made by the Christians about when the rapture would take place is correct. - Reece