What activity could best help students group words meaningfully before reading a text?

The activity that best helps students group words meaningfully before reading a text is one where they explain the reasons for their groupings based on meaningful connections. This approach actively engages students in thinking about the relationships between words and concepts, encouraging deeper understanding and retention.

When students articulate their thought processes and the connections they see, it promotes critical thinking and helps them to create mental maps that can enhance their comprehension of the upcoming text. This method also encourages discussion and collaboration among students, allowing them to hear different perspectives and refine their understanding.

In contrast, reciting words without discussion and using flashcards to memorize definitions do not foster the same level of engagement or critical thinking about the words' meanings or contexts. Creating a word search may help with recognition of words, but it lacks the depth of understanding that comes from making meaningful connections, making it less effective for preparing students for reading comprehension.