Vocabulary in the Interactive Notebook

Vocabulary is a key part to math.  In the past, I always had my students designate one section of their notebook as their "Math Dictionary".  For each unit, they would write the vocabulary words, their definitions, and give examples and non-examples of each.  Some kids would "forget" to include the examples or non-examples though.

Since I'm switching to interactive notebooks, I decided to update my Math Dictionary section.  I found a great template of the Frayer Model for vocabulary.  It's great because it goes along with foldable theme.

The template has an oval in the center to write the vocabulary word.  In the top left box, students write the definition.  In the top left  box, they write any key facts of characteristics about the word (which I love).  The bottom left box is for examples and the bottom right one is for non-examples.  Now, there's a spot for all the components, making it virtually impossible for students to "forget" to include anything.

In order to keep my students organized (and to make the vocab section like a "real" dictionary), I made an alphabetized list of all the vocab words we will be going over during the year.  It took some time, but it was well worth it.  I am going to have the students paste the list onto the first page of their vocabulary sections on the first day of school.

You can get the list from my TeachersPayTeachers store.

As for the individual words, I am going to have the students cut out each rectangle.  If they fold the rectangle in half, they can easily glue four words per page.  They will write the word on the folded side of the paper for quick reference.  They words will be color-coded by unit (just like the Table of Contents).

During the first few days of school, when I am busy handing out books and collecting a ton of forms, I will have my classes start cutting, folding, and gluing the blank templates into their Math Dictionaries.  I will also have them assign a color of choice to each unit and have them write just the words on the folded side.  They will fill in each template as we get to each unit.  Filling out the models for each word will also be a great assignment to leave with a sub when I'm absent.  I think this system is going to work well!