9th Grade Vocabulary
& Spelling Activities
Here's a simple idea for boosting 9th grade vocabulary and spelling skills that you can use anytime throughout the year, with any words.
Your students can even help create the 9th grade vocabulary assignments!
This activity asks students to do two things:
- Choose the correct spelling of some tricky words AND
- Choose the correct usage of those words.
9th Grade Vocabulary Idea
To create this activity:
1. Make a list of 10-15 words that you want students to practice.
2. Write each word correctly and incorrectly in a word box on the board or on a worksheet.
3. Write a sentence that uses each word correctly, but omit the vocabulary word.
Sample Activity
Here's an example of words and sentences you might use, with words from our list of 9th grade spelling words.
Word box:
citadel/citidel impass/impasse hinderance/hindrance chasm/kasm dexterous/dextrous exageration/exaggeration
Sentences:
1. The negotiations between the workers and the owners came to an _________________.
2. A deep _________ separated the rescuers from the stranded hikers.
3. The ____________ provided great protection for the citizenry.
4. A driving rainstorm was a serious ________ to the ambulance driver.
5. The advertiser's claim about the benefits of the diet program proved to be a huge _________________.
6. It takes a ________________ hand to operate this delicate machinery.
1. impasse 2.chasm 3. citadel 4. hindrance 5. exaggeration 6. dexterous
How can students help?
I'm so glad you asked!
- First come up with a master list of about 100 words you want students to practice during the year.
- Then assign about 4 or 5 words from your list to each student. Ask students to thoroughly research each of his words so that he is able to use it correctly in a sentence.
- Next, ask students write a good sentence for each of his words, including both the correct answer and a possible incorrect spelling.
- Then collect each student's work. Group sentences into sets of 10-12 sentences each. For each set, create one worksheet or board work assignment to practice one portion of your 9th grade vocabulary wor list. Place all the words and alternate spellings for each set in a word box, and write the sentences underneath.
You'll have enough material to make up to 10 worksheets, and your main jobs have been only to organize and type/write the information!
Two BIG benefits:
- Students learn a lot of words throughout the year.
- You provide meaningful 9th grade vocabulary and spelling practice with limited amounts of your own time spent.
More Upper Grade Worksheets & Resources
Antonym Antics - Vocabulary worksheet featuring antonyms and spelling. It's a unique format for your upper level students.
It's a Disaster! - Hilarious spelling and grammar worksheet that provides practice with past participle verbs. Students will enjoy working through each sentence to read the surprise ending.
Cryptogram Worksheet: Puzzle page for upper grades. Includes instructions so students, parents or teachers can make more cryptogram puzzles with any word list.
Synonym Crossword: Can you solve this mammoth-sized challenge? For each clue you must select a synonym that fits into the diagram.
"Ex" Marks the Spot - Another great vocab worksheet for upper grades. Each of the 25 answers in this crossword puzzle begins with the letters EX. Note: If your students solve this quickly, you should be EXceedingly happy. You should EXtol their talents and EXcellent abilities!
So N "ICE" to Know You!: All the answers on this vocab page contain the letters ICE.
Opposites Unscramble 16 words, then match each on up to an opposite that's also in the list. Fun two-part activity for extra vocab practice!
Pull-Apart Synonyms - Extremely challenging free word scramble game! Can you pull apart these letters, without rearranging them, to spell a pair of synonyms? Is this as easy as it sounds???
Try some of these challenging brain teasers with your upper grade students!
Word Lists
You may also find these word lists to be helpful. If you students can master the spellings of these words, they will be stronger writers.
Difficult English Spelling Word Lists
- Spelling Words Well ›
- 7th – 12th Grade Spelling ›
- 9th Grade Vocab
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