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.