Draw out a grid with five columns on a piece of paper or a computer program such as Microsoft Word, by using the “Table” function, or Microsoft Excel by resizing the cells. Create the following titles for the five columns, moving from left to right: “Word,” “Definition,” “Related Words,” Sentence/Example,” “Picture.” This will be your own sheet to work from in class as you teach the words.
Write the words you will be discussing down the “Word” column, then write the definition of each of these words in the “Definition” columns.
Complete the “Related Words” column with two or three synonyms, antonyms or words that are related in meaning. These are to help explain the meaning of the word. Then write an example sentence properly using the word in the “Sentence” column. Leave the “Picture” column blank.
Create a new grid, this time completing only the titles for each column, and the target words down the “Word” column. One way would be to use Microsoft Excel, or Microsoft Word if you have access to a projector for the computer. Otherwise, draw the matrix by hand on a white board or overhead projector.
Work through the first word with the class as a whole step-by-step. Give an oral definition, and then write down the written one from your completed matrix. Do the same for the related words, and explain how to use the word in a sentence. Have the students attempt to write their own sentence using the word, then draw a visual based on the word.
Explain the second word orally, have the students discuss it in pairs then write their own definition. Then reveal your definition. Do the same for the rest of the matrix, working down the columns rather than across the rows. You will cover the definitions for each word, then related words, sentences and pictures.