Vocabulary StrategiesVocabulary StrategiesVocabulary StrategiesVocabulary Strategies

How Important are WORDS?How Important are WORDS?

Why Vocabulary Instruction?

The essence of good vocabulary instruction is the creation of contexts in which students constantly use relevant vocabulary in their reading, writing, and speaking. This is in contrast to the ineffective, but far more prevalent, "assign, define and test""assign, define and test" approach.

Teachers in each content area should implement purposeful vocabulary instruction to:

1) increase reading comprehension,2) develop knowledge of new concepts, 3) improve range and specificity in writing, 4) help students communicate more effectively, and5) develop deeper understanding of words and concepts with which

students are only familiar.

http://knowledgeloom.org/practice_basedoc.jsp?t=1&bpid=1207&aspect=1&location=2&parentid=1197&bpinterid=1197&spotlightid=1174&testflag=yes

Vocabulary Word MapsA vocabulary word map is a visual organizer that helps students engage with and think about new terms or concepts in several ways.

The new term goes in the middle of the map. Students fill in the rest of the map with a definition, synonyms, antonyms, and a picture to help illustrate the new concept.

Vocabulary Word Vocabulary Word MapsMaps ExamplesExamples

Vocabulary Word Vocabulary Word MapsMaps ExamplesExamples

Frayer ModelThe Frayer Model is a graphical organizer used for word analysis and vocabulary building. This four-square model prompts students to think about and describe the meaning of a word or concept by . . . •Defining the term, •Describing its essential characteristics, •Providing examples of the idea, and •Offering non-examples of the idea.

Semantic WebbingSemantic Webbing builds a side-by-side graphical representation of students' knowledge and perspectives about the key themes of a reading selection before and after the reading experience. Semantic Webs achieve three goals: •"Reviving" or "reactivating" students' prior knowledge and experience, •Helping students organize both their prior knowledge and new information confronted in reading, and •Allowing students to discover relationships between their prior and new knowledge.

Word Wall

A Word Wall is a strategy to reinforce the core vocabulary of a specific subject. Teachers select new words, technical terms, and words that frequently recur and print these words in bold block letters on cards. Teachers post these cards on a highly visible wall or bulletin board as students confront them in reading or discussions. Note: the Word Wall is built one word at a time as students encounter new terminology.

Steps to Creating/Using a Word Wall

• Identify the key vocabulary words that students need to know for a specific topic or reading assignment.

• Print the words in large block letters on cards for posting on a prominent (always visible) wall or bulletin board.

• Post the word cards as the terms are confronted in classroom discussion or reading.

• Regularly review the terms on the Word Wall. Have students read them aloud as a "warm up" exercise.

• Frequently call on students to "refresh" their classmates' memories of the definitions of these words.

• Reinforce these vocabulary words by including them in learning games and activities.

Flashcard Website

http://www.kitzkikz.com/flashcards/

PowerPoint Game Templates

http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/vocab/wordgames-vocab.html

http://jc-schools.net/tutorials/PPT-games

http://projects.coe.uga.edu/lrieber/wwild/search/PPT-search-results.asp

Basic Math Vocabulary

http://www.netxv.net/pm-view.php?page=136

http://opi.mt.gov/PDF/Assessment/CRT/RI/06MathVocab.pdf

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/5mathlang.doc

Basic Science Vocabulary

http://www.jefferson.k12.ky.us/Students/Vocab/MSScienceVocabulary.pdf

Basic U.S. History Word List

http://www.acps.k12.va.us/curriculum/socialstudies/vocabulary.pdf

http://ushistory.pwnet.org/PDFs/USI_Vocabulary.pdf

VoycabularyVoyCabulary makes the words on any webpage into links, so you can look them up with just a click--in a dictionary of your choice.

http://www.voycabulary.com/

If Words are NOT Relevant They Are Wasted

When all is said and done………

And you are wasting your time…….

ATTACK STRATEGIES

Use Context Clues

Highlight

Underline

Block

Find Key Words

Examples of Vocabulary Attack Strategy

During a 40-hour week, Brendan earned $320.Which proportion could be used to find theamount, x, he would earn if he only workedfor 35 hours?

Some students are investigating the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. Which of the following sets of equipment would be MOST useful for this investigation?A. Microscope and slidesB. Hand lens and razor bladesC. Microscope and graduated cylinderD. Triple beam balance and microscope

Another Example…The ends to be met are to better "secure their peace and quiet" and to see that the "lives, liberties, and fortunes" of all citizens, understated rules (law), might be better protected.— Summary of Locke's opinion of government

John Locke believed that the role ofgovernment was to —

A. spread the state religionB. control the state economyC. preserve the rights of the peopleD. maintain the ruler's absolute power

Words are IMPORTANT!