The Explorer - Session 23 - Word Workshop

The 'Word Workshop' is an engaging educational activity designed to enhance vocabulary and language skills among KS2 students. Each session prompts learners to explore a particular word in depth, understanding its meaning(s), using it in a sentence, and experimenting with its form by adding prefixes, suffixes, or altering its tense. For instance, with the word 'disdain', students would identify its meaning—often a feeling of contempt or scorn—use it in a contextually appropriate sentence, and then modify it, perhaps creating its noun form 'disdainful' or the adverb 'disdainfully'. Additionally, they would list synonyms, such as 'contempt' or 'scorn', and antonyms, such as 'admiration' or 'respect'.

Another word featured in the workshop is 'waddled', which is typically associated with the awkward, swaying walk of a duck. Students are tasked to use 'waddle' in a sentence, modify it to different forms like 'waddles' or 'waddling', and then brainstorm synonyms and antonyms. For example, a synonym could be 'toddle', while an antonym might be 'stride'. Such exercises not only build vocabulary but also encourage critical thinking as students discern subtle differences in meaning and usage. Through this comprehensive approach, words like 'dubiously', 'emerged', 'fanatical', and many others are dissected and understood, allowing students to appreciate the richness and diversity of the English language.