This year for our 4th grader we are going to be incorporating Marie’s Words, which is a visual way to learn vocabulary. For the past month, we have been using this several times a week and I continue to be amazed at how great this product is.
Marie’s Words
Marie’s Words contains 550 vocabulary words that are perfect for grades k-12, as well as for studying for the SAT. The concept behind this product is that we all remember faces easier than names, so why not learn vocabulary with colorful illustrations. 
Marie’s Words is part of our fourth-grade curriculum. However, it will also be used with my first grader as well. The front of each card features the word that your student will be learning along with an illustration that will help them to understand the meaning of the word. For Example: On the abduct card, it has a UFO and rays coming down from it. This visual clue helps them to understand what abduct means before flipping the card over to read the definition.
When you flip the card over, you’ll find tons of information. At the top of the card, you’ll find the word from the front of the card, and below that how to pronounce the word. While some words are easy to pronounce, there are several that are more difficult and not as familiar. Below that, you’ll find the word used in a sentence.
Last, but certainly not least, you’ll find synonyms and antonyms on the back of the card. I really like that this is included on the back of the cards. I fill that this helps then understand the word even more.
Also, you’ll notice at the top of each card, there is a hole punched in it. This is perfect for putting on a clip and taking on the road, or for practicing certain words. As we work through the words, I place them on a ring so we can go back and review them.
Using Marie’s Words
Marie’s Words comes with directions on how to play two games using the cards, but you can find other ideas here. Since we are a little more relaxed during summer months, we are using the cards as a “Word of the Day”. Each day, one of the boys randomly draw a card. We flip it over, read the definition, sentence, synonyms and antonyms found on the back. After that, we put it on the fridge where they can access it throughout the day. By the end of the day, we all make a sentence using either the word on the front of the card or the given synonym or antonym. I have watched their vocabulary grow over the course of the month.
This is an amazing product. It’s definitely one that we will continue to use through the high school years.
Where to Purchase
Marie’s Words is part of the Timberdoodle 4th Grade Curriculum Kit, but you can purchase it outside of the curriculum pack as well for $36.95.
