The Job of a Word

The Job of a Word

Teaching Vocabulary

Job or Function

The job or function of a word is the purpose of the part of speech.

For example, a noun functions as a subject or object.

A verb shows action.

Did you know that all dolphins are whales but not all whales are dolphins?

Multiple Select

Why do you think it is important to identify the job or function of a word? Select all that apply.

• It clarifies how the word works in a sentence.

• It helps students identifies what types of words come before and after it.

• It gives purpose to knowing the parts of speech.

• It is likely because you said so; otherwise, I wouldn't be at this training.

Steps to Teaching Job/Function

1. Identify the part of speech

2. Define the part of speech

3. Identify the job/function

   1. Noun: subject or object (then define subject or object)

   2. Verb: show action

4. Identify how it shows up in a sentence

   1. A verb shows action. Nouns perform actions. A verb will likely show up after a noun.

   2. An adjective describes nouns. An adjective will likely show up before a noun.

   3. Repeat consistently.

An ultracrepidarian is someone who expresses opinions outside of their expertise.

Teaching Example: Cat

POS: Noun (person, place, thing, or idea)

Job/function: subject or object

Subject: what a sentence is about

Object: what something in a sentence has or who/what an action is directed to

What do I know: a cat will be what I'm talking, what something has, or what an action is directed to

A cat named Stubbs was the Mayor of Alaska for 20 years.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence below uses the word "cat" as a subject?

• The dog was cat.

• The cat was very angry.

• I gave food to my cat.

• I catted to the store.

Multiple Choice

Which question below uses the word "cat" as an object?

• The woman was like a cat.

• The cat dog was cool.

• I taught my cat some tricks.

• Did you know cats are not fish?

Teaching Example: Green

POS: Adjective (descriptive word)

Job/function: describes nouns

What do I know: It should come before a noun

Historians think Napoleon Bonaparte died because the green pigment in his wallpaper contained arsenic.

Multiple Choice

Where should the adjective "green" go in the following sentence: I lost my favorite cup.

• I green my favorite cup.

• I lost my favorite green cup.

• I lost green my favorite cup.

• I lost my favorite cup green.

Questions to Ask

What part of speech is it?

What is the job/function of the word/part of speech?

Where should it go in the sentence?
What kind of words come before it?

What kind of words come after it?
WHY?

WHY NOT?

Asking "why" and "why not" extends student thinking!

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: How often can you utilize this in your classroom? When do you plan to do this next?