A practicum aimed to improve the basic sight vocabulary of second grade Chapter 1 students by implementing poetry activities and dictionary skills. Eight students were introduced to a new poem and 2 vocabulary words each week, for 12 weeks, receiving 45 to 50 minutes of supplemental instruction, 4 days per week. Assignments were keyed to the student's reading level. Results indicated increased vocabulary skills and improved critical thinking skills. Although context clues improved, students did not meet the expected objective. (A 14-item bibliography is attached; appendixes include a vocabulary list and a list of vocabulary words most often missed when pre-tested.) (SR)