Vocabu-Lit (Original Editions)

Description

Combine vocabulary building with exposure to quality literature and what do you get? Vocabu-Lit! In each of the 36 lessons, a short (half-page) segment of literature is provided. The 10 master words to be studied in the lesson are shown in bold print in the reading selection. Our sample was from the 8th grade book, and featured such authors as Robert Louis Stevenson, Stephen Crane, Jack London, Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, Daniel Defoe, and Charles Dickens. Literature selections included segments from Black Beauty, Red Badge of Courage, Robinson Crusoe, Call of the Wild, and A Christmas Carol.

Vocabulary exercises include writing a definition of each word before and after looking it up in the dictionary, choosing synonyms and antonyms from a list provided, filling in the master words in analogies, and filling in the master words in a sentence. The Teacher Edition is a copy of the student book with the answers filled in. Vocabulary words chosen are appropriate for the grade level and to encourage students to increase vocabulary and knowledge of good literature simultaneously.

The folks at Perfection Learning responded to requests for a Vocabu-Lit for younger students. Now available for 2nd through 5th grade. Levels B, C, and D (2nd-4th) have appealing kid-friendly graphics, a larger font, wider spacing, fewer lessons (20-24) and word lists of 8 to 10 words but the same solid vocabulary instruction and activities. Level E (5th grade) contains 32 lessons, but follows the same general format as levels F through L.


Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.