<p>Vocabulary Squares from Tools for Thought by Jim Burke</p><p>This graphic organizer provides six squares for students to enter information about a word, allowing them to “incorporate language study (etymology and parts of speech); vocabulary expansion (through synonyms, antonyms, and different conjugations); application (through use in an original sentence); and visual representation.” </p><p>The focus of this tool is helping students to learn word meanings in context (very effective according to research) rather than memorizing lists of words (very ineffective according to research).</p><p>Directions: Please base your sentences on your current reading assignment unless otherwise directed.</p><p>Etymology and Part(s) of Speech Variations, Synonyms, Antonyms</p><p>Symbol/Logo/Icon Definition(s)</p><p>Sentence</p><p>Example:</p><p>Etymology and Part(s) of Speech Variations, Synonyms, Antonyms Adjective Invincible, unbeatable, Late unconquerable, Latin”indomitabilis” undefeatable from Latin “in”+”domitave” to tame indomitable Symbol/Logo/Icon Definition(s) Incapable of being subdued, unconqueraable</p><p>Sentence Zeus is an indomitable god.</p><p>Jim Burke is a language arts teacher so his examples are all literature based; however, he has some great “thinking tools” that could be adapted to any content area. Find out more at his website: http://www.englishcompanion.com/. </p>