Fun with Words…While Kids Learn Vocabulary

IRA Presenters:

Candice McQueen, Ph.D. & Marcia Stewart, Ed.D.

College of Education, Lipscomb University

December 10, 2008

How do EXPERT word learners learn new words?

Expert Word Learners

• Notice new words when listening and reading

• Are interested in learning new words• Are especially likely to learn words that are

encountered in situations marked by strong emotion

• Use the situational or textual context to predict possible meanings of the new term

Expert Word Learners

• Relish nuances in language – connect meaning with personal experiences

• Are self-reliant and strategic learners – use their knowledge of elements of word meaning (prefixes, suffixes, root words) to predict, confirm, and anchor new words meanings

• Engage in self-teaching

How do we TRADITIONALLY teach new words?

Traditional Word List Approach

• Overreliance on the extrinsic motivation of the weekly tests rather than building intrinsic motivation and interest in words and word learning

• Overemphasis on dictionary work• Words are presented in isolation• Sentence usage is typically vague or inaccurate• Memorize definitions rather make personal,

meaningful connections

How can we TEACH words that will help kids become EXPERT word

learners while having FUN?

Selecting Words for Instruction

• Select a handful of words to pre-teach• Select words to pre-teach carefully

– Choose words that represent major concepts or key ideas in the story

– Choose words that not used in everyday language– Don’t choose words where illustrations or context

clues “teach” word meaning

• Pre-teaching should be direct and brief• Pre-taught words should be on individual word

cards or presented only one at a time

Pre-teaching Select Words

• Show words one at a time, then display

• Discuss words in simple language, use words in context, give examples

• Allow students to write own meaning & draw representations of words (before, during or after reading)

Teaching New Vocabulary Wordsfrom Robert Marzano

• Explain

• Define

• Draw

• Activities

• Revisit/Discuss

• Games

Now What…

• Have students use words in sentences, play with words, participate in word games

• Activities (non-competitive)– Word Sorts– Word Association writing and skits

• Games (competitive)– Vocabulary Bingo– Vocabulary Basketball– Vocabulary Jeopardy

Let’s practice having FUN with words!