Trading Cards Assign each student a word.

Give each student an index

card that has one blank side and one lined side. Students should see models
of what they are to do. Students create the trading card so that it has a
nonlinguistic representation on one side (or in one column) and the other
should have a definition and example of the word. As students work, the
teacher should monitor to make sure the words are defined and explained
appropriately. This is a good activity to scaffold and ensure all students
experience success by assigning words that you feel confident they know.
When students complete their cards, count them off (1, 2, 1, 2 etc.). Have all
the 1s line up and the 2s line up. Have the lines face each other; each
student should have a partner. Advise students they are to teach their partner
the word on the card. They get one minute to teach it. Each person should
repeat the definition. They trade cards. The 1s line shifts one person left
(The 2s line never moves). They now teach their learned word and then
trade again.
Example:
Definition:
- putting into play; use
-activity that requires physical or
mental exertion to develop or
maintain fitness
- effort to develop or maintain fitness
or increase skill
Example:
Running, Biking, Swimming, Weight
Lifting, Playing Piano, Mental Math

Adopted from Marzanos Academic Vocabulary, Baker, Simmons & Kameenui, Fryer,
Tankersley, Cunningham & Stanovich, Graves, Brunett, CRISS, Bear, Templeton,
Johnston, Invermizzi, Blevins and others.