Thesaurus
Robert
C. Burkhart
Rationale
Purpose:
1.� The purpose of this mini-lesson is to
introduce and reinforce to the learner the use of a thesaurus.� As students progress in their writing often
they become repetitive in their choice of words and struggle to clearly express
themselves in their writing.� The
thesaurus is a tool to enable the student to expand their vocabulary, avoid
repetition in their writing, and to assist the writer in expressing their
ideas. Learners in a Writing Learning Lab need lessons that will expand their
ability as writers.� The thesaurus will
do that in a big way by providing another tool that allows that young writer to
more clearly express his/her ideas.
Standards and
Objectives:
NC standard course of
study:
1.� Standard 6.0 The learner will apply conventions
of grammar and language usage.
2.� 6.01 Demonstrate an
understanding of conventional written and spoken expressions by:� determining the meaning of unfamiliar
vocabulary words by using.... a thesaurus....
NCTE Standards for the
English Language Arts:
1. Standard # 4.� Students adjust their use of spoken, written,
and visual language(e.g.,conventions,
style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and
for different purposes.
Resources:
One
thesaurus per group, handouts of word choices to each student, and
pens/pencils.
Procedure:
Time needed:
Fifteen minutes will be
needed to complete this mini-lesson;� five minutes for the intro. and lecture, and ten minutes to complete the activity.
Script:
Teacher: Today�s mini-lesson will concern itself with the use
of a thesaurus.� A thesaurus is a tool
used by writers to help them more clearly express their ideas, so let�s start
by asking a few questions.�
Teacher: What is a thesaurus?
Class: various answers A book
similar to a dictionary in that it lists words, but it does not define them. A way to remind oneself of a word. A reminder that their
other ways to say a word. A way to not overuse a word.
etc....(Atwell p.174)
Teacher:� Who would use
a thesaurus?
Class: Answers will vary.�
Looking for writers.
Teacher: That�s correct writers such as yourselves.� Authors of any kind of writing can and do use
a thesaurus.
Teacher: What do they use the thesaurus for? Why use a
thesaurus?�
Class:� Again varying
answers.� To find different
words to express the same idea.��
Teacher:� Authors use
the thesaurus in their writing to expand their vocabulary, to keep their words
from being repetitive, and to enable their words to flow more effectively among
other things.� Most
important though the thesaurus enables the writer to more clearly express their
ideas.�
Teacher: How do we use the thesaurus?
Class: Again varying answers.
Teacher: Well, let�s look at a thesaurus and see how to use
it.�
The teacher then gets
the thesaurus out and goes through it
giving examples.
Teacher: What questions do you have reference a thesaurus and
it�s use?
Class: Various responses.
Teacher: responds as needed
Teacher: At this time we will break up into our groups and do
a short worksheet.� On this sheet you
will find four words and four blank spots for you to insert your own word.� Look in the thesaurus provided to your group
and find three different ways to express each word.� Then select a word for yourself and do the
same thing.� When we are finished we will
continue with our normal writing activity as per your individual status.�
At this point the teacher
will provide a handout for each group with words they can look up and share
with each other.� In this classroom there
are twenty students divided into five groups of four.� They would each get the same handout from the
teacher and be given time to complete it in class.� The handout will include four words provided and
four blank spots for each learner to provide a word.�
Sample list of words:
says or said�������������������������������������������������� beginning
________ __________
_________�������� _________ _________
_________
ask����������������������������������������������������������������� climb
________ _________
__________�������� _________ _________
_________
_______������������������������������������������������������� _________
_______ ___________
_________�������� _________ _________
__________
________����������������������������������������������������� _________
________ _________
_________����������� _________ _________
__________
Conclusion:
Teacher:� The thesaurus
is important to the writer in that it will enable you to vary your word usage,� increase your
vocabulary, and enable you the writer to find the right word you are looking
for.� Your future work should include the
use of the thesaurus.�