Semantic Impressions
- Choose between 5 and 20 words that are central to the plot of a narrative (story, chapter, book).
- List these words, in the order they appear in the story, on a chalkboard or overhead. (The order of one or two may be changed if desired.)
- Tell students that as a group they will compose a sensible story based on these words. Advise them that the story should have a beginning, middle, and end (or problem and resolution.)
- Briefly go over the meaning of each word on the list, encouraging student contributions.
- Discuss three rules:
- Words must be used in order
- Once a word is used, it cannot be reused.
- The form of words (plurals, tenses, parts of speech) can be changed
- As students give oral contributions, write their Semantic impressions story on the chalkboard or overhead. (Note that the word list, as well as the story, is displayed.)
- As you take down oral student contributions, help students to formulate a cohesive narrative with a sensible flow. Student sentences may be combined.
- When the story is finished, the class may choose to edit it.
- Have the students read, or listen to, the published narrative.
- Students may choose to illustrate the story; it will be a great classroom library edition.
References
Richek, M. A. (2005). Words are wonderful: Interactive time-efficient strategies to teach meaning vocabulary. The Reading Teacher, 58(Feb), 414-423.