Digital Word Detectives: Building Vocabulary With e-Book Readers

Materials and Technology

Printouts

Websites

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Digital Readers for student use
  
  
• Visual presenter/document and LCD projector for demonstration
  
  
• e-Books compatible with digital readers

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PRINTOUTS

• Vocabulary Pre-Assessment
  
  
• Vocabulary Post-Assessment
  
  
• Vocabulary Rubric
  
  
• Vocabulary Observation Form
  
  
• Digital Reading Tools Assessment

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WEBSITES

• Oxford Dictionaries
• Dictionary.com

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PREPARATION

1. Select and download e-book title(s) to the digital reading devices. Consider students’ prior experience, vocabulary knowledge, and reading levels when selecting appropriate children’s/young adult chapter books. If appropriate, you may select one title for the entire class or multiple titles to allow for differentiated instruction. (The availability of specific book titles varies depending on the make/model of digital readers.)
   
   
2. Identify approximately 3-4 vocabulary words from each chapter of the e-book. Consider your students’ grade level, reading abilities, and prior word knowledge. For each chapter, review the length and specific vocabulary. Adjust the number of selected vocabulary words accordingly.
   
   
3. For each chapter of the book, fill out the book title, chapter, and column “Vocabulary Word” on the Vocabulary Pre-Assessment handout. Make a copy for each student.
   
   
4. If access to digital readers is limited, create a reading schedule that allows each student access to a device throughout the day. Alternatively, divide the class into small groups of 2–4 students, in which they will share a device and read together.
   
   
5. Review your district’s technology policy and guidelines. Work closely with your district’s technology staff or administrators to ensure a successful purchasing and downloading of e-books.
   
   
6. Consider students’ prior knowledge of e-book reading in general and digital readers in particular. If students are new to the digital reading experience, introduce them to the various tools and features associated with their devices. For introductory lesson plan suggestions, please see Going Digital: Using e-Book Readers to Enhance the Reading Experience.

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