Lesson Plan Templates for Rhymes with Reason

Who these are for: All teachers and educators using Rhymes with Reason to teach
Common Core, SAT, and ACT vocabulary to high school students.
Rationale:
RWR aims to achieve educational excellence through an interactive and effective
approach to teaching high level vocabulary required for state tests and college
entrance exams. The RWR platform has harnessed the power of technology, media,
and popular culture to bring a focused and impactful approach to teaching
vocabulary to classrooms around the country.
To direct the impact of the RWR platform, we have designed two formats of lesson
plans that can help guide the use of our technology for all teachers to ensure the
best possible learning outcomes and scaffolded vocabulary improvements. Based on
qualitative and quantitative teacher feedback forms from a pilot study conducted in
schools around the country during the 2015-2016 Academic Year, we have designed
lesson plans to best serve the needs of teachers using RWR, and to improve the
transfer and retention of new words among their students. Both lesson plan formats
are designed to cover ten vocabulary words per week, and are designed to
accommodate a range of computer to student ratios.
Lesson Plan Formats
Enclosed in this document are two sets of lesson plans. Format 1 is tailored for a
warm up vocabulary session, which lasts 15-20 minutes. Format 1 includes
teaching two words per day for five days, culminating with a vocabulary quiz on the
fifth day, which is provided on the RWR website by Common Core theme. All
exercises and activities can be completed through a RWR subscription, including
quizzes and assessments at the end. Format 2 is designed for a longer session (30
minutes or more) in which days 1 and 2 are spent learning five vocabulary words
each (for a total of ten), day 3 will include controlled practice of the learned
vocabulary words, including fill in the blank exercises and searching for antonyms
and synonyms1, day 4 will include free writing practice, using the words in a short
story, rap song, or story board (depending on level).
Note:
Lesson plans allow for teachers to structure their vocabulary lessons according to
Common Core themes, as vocabulary quizzes are provided on the RWR platform for
sets of 10 words within each of those themes (20 themes in total). Teachers are not
required to teach vocabulary according to Common Core themes, but doing so is
currently more effectively supported by the platform and supplementary materials.
Lesson plans have been designed in a Day 1 Day 5 sequence to encourage
continuity and scaffolding, but each lesson plan can also be used independently, or
once a week. For example, in Format 2, teachers can use a lesson plan from Day 1

1 Currently RWR does not have content for these exercises, so the individual

teacher will have to format or curate fill in the blank, antonym and synonym
exercises for the vocabulary words. RWR does however, have quizzes for sets of 10
words grouped according to Common Core themes.

followed by Day 4. Lesson plans have been designed to cover 10 new words per
week, but this can be adjusted according to specific need and timeframes.

Format 1: Daily Plan

In this plan, ten words will be covered in a five-day period (two
words per day), ending with a vocabulary quiz that reviews all
newly learned words. If teacher organizes vocabulary instruction
according to RWRs breakdown of Common Core themes, she/he
can rely exclusively on the RWR platform for word choice and end
of week assessment.
Materials Needed:
RWR Subscription
Writing materials and paper
Computer or laptop with audio capability (at least one with a
projector; or several for group sharing; or one-to-one for
individual use)

DAY 1
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 15 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following two (2) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following two vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for second word.

Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.
DAY 2
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 15 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following two (2) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following two vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for second word.
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.

Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.

Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.

DAY 3
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 15 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following two (2) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following two vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,

shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and

respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for second word.
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.
Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.
Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.

DAY 4
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 15 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following two (2) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following two vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this

particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the

vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for second word.
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.
Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.
Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.
DAY 5
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 15 - 20 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following two (2) vocabulary words for the
selected theme AND will complete a vocabulary quiz provided by RWR
(specific to the Common Core theme);
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following two vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word. After exercises are completed, students will
conduct a vocabulary quiz that covers the 10 words learned this week.
Activities:

1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for second word.
Assessment: Students will complete individually the vocabulary quiz
provided on the RWR platform (if it corresponds with the 10 words learned
this week). Students will enter their responses on the computer if possible, if
not, they will provide answers on paper.
Review: Review correct answers, emphasize context clues provided in the
questions, and address any misunderstandings or inaccuracies related to
word meaning and context.

Format 2: Weekly Plan

In this plan, ten words will be covered in a five-day period (five
words in the first two days), with prolonged, more extensive
practice, ending with a vocabulary quiz that reviews all newly
learned words. If teacher organizes vocabulary instruction
according to RWRs breakdown of Common Core themes, she/he
can rely exclusively on the RWR platform for word choice and end
of week assessment.
Materials Needed:
RWR Subscription
Writing materials and paper
Computer or laptop with audio capability (at least one with a
projector; or several for group sharing; or one-to-one for
individual use)

DAY 1
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 30 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following five (5) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the
following five vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio

clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for words 2-5
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.

DAY 2
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 30 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will learn the following five (5) vocabulary words for the
selected theme;
______________________________________________________________________________
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)

Introduction: Explain to students that they will be learning about the

following five vocabulary words using RWR. Students will listen to an audio
clip that contains the vocabulary word at least two times, and then will
proceed with determining the words meaning, and completing controlled
and free practice of the word.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for the first time and identify the
vocabulary word. Play the song for a second time, followed by a
reading of the lyric (either teacher-led, or individually)
2) Contextualize the vocabulary word within the lyric and discuss its
meaning, or possible meanings. Encourage any of the students
knowledge about the music artist, the particularly song, or anything
else that may give more context to the word and its meaning in this
particular song. Establish a definition and understanding of the
vocabulary word.
3) Controlled practice: Have students complete multiple choice question
provided on RWR. Do this individually either on own computer,
shared, or by looking at a projector. Review correct answer, and
respond to any questions or uncertainties.
4) Free practice: Have students take a couple of minutes to write a
sentence, lyric, or rhyme using the new vocabulary word.
5) Repeat for words 2-5
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.
Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.
Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.

DAY 3
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 30 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________
Objective: Students will complete controlled practice exercises of the ten
newly learned vocabulary words.

Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or

laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use)
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be conducting controlled
practice of the ten vocabulary words learned this week. They will complete
exercises such as fill-in-the-blank, matching words with definitions,
determining antonyms and synonyms, creating flashcards, etc. This day is
about drilling words with their definitions and meanings in context.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for each word and familiarize/review
meaning and multiple choice question
2) Conduct practice exercises individually, in pairs, or in groups using the
RWR platform as a starting point for each word that is being reviewed.
Have students complete one or more type of drilling question per word
(fill in the blank, cloze, matching, etc.)
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their responses either between groups or
as individuals. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of understanding
and transfer.
Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.
Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.

DAY 4
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 30 min.
Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________

Objective: Students will conduct free practice of the ten newly learned
vocabulary words.
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use).
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be conducting free practice
of the ten vocabulary words learned this week. They will conduct writing
exercises that allow them to creatively use the newly learned words in their
own context and format. Students can write a short story, a song, or a rap.
Activities:
1) Language input: Play the audio clip for each word and
familiarize/review meaning and multiple choice question
2) Conduct free writing practice individually, in pairs, or in groups using
the RWR platform as a starting point for each word that is being
reviewed. Have students complete one piece of writing (length
determined on ability, or size of group) that includes all 10 vocabulary
words. Note: this will be easier if all 10 words are taken from one
Common Core Theme. If not, modify so that students use more than 5
of the newly learned vocabulary words.
Wrap Up: Ask students to share their free practice writing pieces and
discuss how the new words are properly conveyed given the meaning and
context of the sentence. Provide any feedback to improve accuracy of
understanding and transfer.
Review: Address any questions from previous days learned vocabulary.
Assess understanding (informally) by asking students to provide synonyms or
definitions of previously learned words.

DAY 5
Subject/Topic: Rhymes with Reason Vocabulary
Time: 30 min.

Common Core Theme (Optional): ____________________

Objective: Students will complete a vocabulary quiz, assessing their
knowledge of the 10 vocabulary words learned this week. Students will also
write a reflective essay using the questions provided on the RWR platform.
Materials: RWR Subscription, writing materials and paper, computer or
laptop with audio capability (at least one with a projector; or several for
group sharing; or one-to-one for individual use); vocabulary quiz.
Introduction: Explain to students that they will be completing a multiple
choice vocabulary quiz on the 10 words learned this week.
1. Assessment: Students will complete individually the vocabulary quiz
provided on the RWR platform (if it corresponds with the 10 words
learned this week). Students will enter their responses on the
computer if possible, if not, they will provide answers on paper.
2. Reflection/Essay Writing: Using one of the essay questions from the
weeks Common Core theme - provided on the RWR platform - have
students respond to a question that resonates with them about their
experience using RWR, and/or a question that allows them to reflect on
the words that they learned this week.
Review: Review correct answers of the quiz and allow students to
summarize and share their responses to one of the essay questions.