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33 Short Stories

Julianne Dardis

Strategy Overview

  • Vocabulary short stories are a creative and fun way for students to utilize a wide range of vocabulary while also expressing their creativity in writing.
  • “Short stories are effective in enhancing vocabulary learning, making them valuable for language learners,” (Asayh & Diyah, 2026).
  • Vocabulary short stories give students a way to use their newly learned vocabulary words in the form of expressive writing. Students will be given a list of vocabulary words and be asked to use them in writing a short story.
  • Vocabulary short stories can be themed for the lesson/module.
  • This strategy is best suited for students grades 1-5. This strategy can be adapted for students of any level.

Strategy in Action

In the classroom, students learn new vocabulary words starting in kindergarten and throughout their whole life. With this, students are asked and required to utilize these new terms and phrases in the form of reading, writing, and speaking. “Writing allows children to express their thoughts, creativity, and uniqueness. It is a fundamental way in which children learn to think critically, organize and communicate ideas, and make thinking visible and permanent,” (Writing Activities for Your First Grader | Reading Rockets, n.d.). When considering using this strategy in the classroom, think about your class first. What improvements are needed in terms of writing? What vocabulary words is the curriculum asking to be taught at this time? What are some vocabulary words you have noticed the students may need reinforming on their meaning? Once you have considered that, continue with the planning for this lesson. When introducing this strategy into the classroom, ensure that students are aware of their writing expectations for this piece. This can include spelling, capital letters, punctuation, spacing, use of high-frequency words, and length of writing. Also, review the vocabulary words prior to giving the worksheet and allow students to develop an understanding of the word. This activity can be done after whole-group reading, once the students have gained an understanding of the vocabulary words, when the students are in ELA small groups. When it comes time to utilize this resource, classroom procedures may be as follows: first, begin with introduction or reinforcement of key vocabulary for the lesson. Review with students and provide real-time examples to ensure understanding of material. Next, set the scene for the students. Give the group a theme, a message, or give full creative freedom in their story. Some examples of a theme may be what did you do this weekend? Or write about your favorite movie character. Or make up a story including your favorite animal. With these themes and more, students will understand their story expectations and be ready to write. Next you want to allow the students time to brainstorm. Let the students have the chance to think about what they want to write about and allow them to come up with multiple ideas and ask them to pick their favorite one that they know they can write a lot about. Once they are ready, allow the students to begin writing and remind the students to use their vocabulary words and remind students of their set expectations when writing. Allow students to be creative while writing and express their message.

Related Resources

References

Asayh,  N. M. A. & Diyah, A. A. A. (2026). The effectiveness of using short stories in learning english vocabulary among libyan EFL learners at the college of education – Zawia University. Journal of Comprehensive Sciences, 10(38), 1893–1901. https://doi.org/10.65405/w19hpx49

Writing activities for your first grader. (n.d.). Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/literacy-home/reading-101-guide-parents/your-first-grader/writing-activities

 

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