• KEEP A “JOURNAL” of words that you encounter while reading that you do not know.  This can be as simple as using the back cover of a spiral notebook or using a small notebook to create your own pocket dictionary.
• Look the words up in a dictionary or an online dictionary. 

Online dictionary:  www.m-w.com/

• Use a thesaurus online!

How to use a thesaurus:  http://thesaurus.reference.com/features/howtousethesaurus.html

A thesaurus online: 

http://thesaurus.reference.com/

• Break words into parts!  Prefix, base word, suffix

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/vocabulary.htm 

Practice/quiz page:  http://www.resourceroom.net/comprehension/wordparts/1ject.asp

• Illustrate new vocabulary words to help “paint a picture” in your mind.

          Spelling ALWAYS counts!!

- contributed by Michelle Pruitt, LTCY 524