Vocabulary Stories, 7th-12th, summer 2025

Vocabulary Stories (grades 7-12)

Times and dates subject to change if you purchase this class before April 1st, 2025.

Mondays @ 11:00-11:30am CST
Dates: 6/9-8/18 (no class on 7/14)

Required text: The Vocabulary Builder Workbook

After purchasing this class, you will receive downloadable instructions via email.

Vocabulary Stories

In this 10-week class, students will select four words from a weekly list of seven, focusing on those they are least familiar with. As a class, we will spend a few minutes brainstorming story ideas with more common words to help students practice the skill of connecting dissimilar ideas (a brainstorming technique known as the Medici Effect). 

For homework, students will write a short story (one typed page or less) that incorporates all of their chosen vocabulary for that week. During each session, we'll take time to read some or all of the student stories aloud in class, allowing everyone to see how their peers used the exact same word list in wildly different ways. This process helps students strengthen their vocabulary, improve writing skills, and think creatively with new words.

In this class, we will focus on creating engaging and creative stories that strengthen vocabulary skills. To ensure a positive environment for all students, we ask that all content remain appropriate for a general audience. Language or themes that are considered foul, sexual, violent, graphic, discriminatory, or that promote substance abuse, self-harm, or offensive stereotypes will not be allowed. Additionally, stories with clear political or religious agendas will not be read. These guidelines are in place to ensure that all students, regardless of background, can participate comfortably and enjoy the class experience.

Online classes meet via Zoom.

No refunds unless the class is canceled. If a student is unable to complete the class for some reason, they will still have access to the weekly videos. :)