Vocabulary is very important to reading comprehension. Readers cannot understand what they are reading without knowing what most of the words mean. As children learn to read more advanced texts, they must learn the meaning of new words that are not part of their oral vocabulary. Find out how my school is using suitcase words to strengthen vocabulary and vocabulary instruction!
Implementation of Suitcase Words
Our school has made a goal of strengthening vocabulary and vocabulary instruction. One activity that we will be implementing is a school-wide set of Tier II Vocabulary Words. Tier II words are words that often confuse students, can be seen throughout the content areas, and need more explicit instruction for comprehension. Our Reading Committee (made up of every grade level) has worked on formulating a list of these Tier II words. Click “download template” button under the materials list to get the free printable. These words will be referred to as "Suitcase Words". These are words that will "travel" with the students because they will see them throughout the content areas and throughout grade levels. As a team, we have decided that every teacher will display these words in their classroom as they are introduced and taught. We will each have a bulletin board in our classrooms displaying open suitcases with the words coming out. The vocabulary words will be put on postcards, so the class can also travel around the world as we teach the words. Our hope is to display these words in a way that both excites and encourages our students to learn and take ownership of these words.
Creating Your Suitcases
Creating your vocabulary suitcases is simply and easy using Black Mini Suitcase Centerpieces. Every teacher in the school received a black mini suitcase to store and display their suitcase words in. My favorite part was decorating the suitcases to designate the grade level for each black mini suitcase. I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the vinyl lettering and travel images. Our reading committee designed, printed, and cut the travel suitcase word postcards. We also laminated them for durability. All staff members also received Travel Stamp Stickers and Passport Stamp Sticker Sheets to decorate their suitcase. 
Suitcase Words Display Case
We have a number of travel-inspired products that fit perfectly with our suitcase words. You can also find a number of cardboard stand up products that are perfect for transforming your school and/or classroom into any of your favorite travel destinations. The Large Skyscraper Stand-Up and Awesome Adventure Plane Standup make a perfect addition to this display case. To get started, simply cover the back of your display case with Fadeless® Design Clouds & Sky Art Paper Rolls and use your favorite scalloped border to give it a window-like effect. I used a variety of products to fill my display case and to give it that true travel theme. You can find a list of the products used in the display case above. 
Improving Vocabulary with a School Theme
Since our school is working on a school-wide initiative to strengthen vocabulary, we thought it would be a great way to tie into our school theme for this year. Find out more about our school theme: "The World Is at Your Fingertips" by clicking HERE. Are you ready to travel? Be sure to check out how my school is preparing our students to travel as we travel around the world using Oriental Trading products. Click HERE to prepare your students for an adventure they will never forget! 
Are you ready to travel? Be sure to check out how my school is preparing our students to travel as we travel around the world using our products. Click HERE to prepare your students for an adventure they will never forget!
