Association Task Cards for Animal and Household Vocabulary

You can use word associations to enhance vocabulary development and improve meta linguistic awareness. Meta linguistics awareness is the ability to think about language beyond its structure. Students compare and contrast the meanings of words and get a better understanding of possible meanings in the process.

Why is this important? It has been found that reading comprehension and meta linguistic skills are strongly linked.

In this set of cards , students are given words to compare and contrast meanings. They determine a reason why one word does not belong in the set of four. They then give a reason why it is not part of the group. This promotes a higher level of thought process and awareness of word meanings beyond memorizing definitions.

There are 48 double-sided cards; the front is the prompt side and the back is the answer/explanation card. A printed word answers what doesn’t belong to the set. The bar code provides the explanation. The bar codes can be read by apps that are available for download on most digital devices. There is also a printed version of the explanations for those who do not have access to bar code readers.

The cards are meant to be printed out on cardstock. Cut on the horizontal lines and fold on the vertical lines. Glue the front card to the back card or laminate them together. This makes a nice sturdy card.

An EASEL activity is also included. Students can reveal the correct answers by sliding a square. The answer is hidden underneath.