Cracker Box Words: Using Authentic Materials

Purpose:   to use real-life or authentic materials to help students learn new words; to show students how many words they already can read; to use visual clues to support comprehension; to practice prediction

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Materials:  variety of cracker, cookie, and cereal boxes, copies of the handout; dictionaries

Prep:  You’ll need one box for each student or for each small group; make sure that each package has some words that you think your students will know; if you have learners who need large print, photocopy the box and enlarge it.

Procedure:

1) Model the activity by telling the class you have a box of crackers in your bag and ask them to help you complete the worksheet.

2) Divide the class into groups of 3-4 and tell each group what product you are going to give them.

3) The students complete Parts I and II before receiving the item.  There are instructions on the worksheet which you may want to review first.

4) After Part II is completed, give each student or group the item assigned to them and have them complete Parts III and IV.  Review the instructions again.

5) If time, have groups report back to the whole group, sharing new vocabulary.

Extensions:

• Collect cans, jars and other products and use them for similar activities.
• Have learners compare their cracker box to other cracker boxes, looking for similarities and differences in information provided and words used.