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Crash Course in Vocabulary Instruction - Coggle Diagram
Crash Course in Vocabulary Instruction
Which Words Matter Most?
2 Tier words: Are academic vocabulary words used across subjects.
3 Tier words: are content-specific, or crucial to understanding subject matter
Focus on vocabulary essential to understanding key concepts by identifying words that are crucial to comprehending the central ideas, themes, or processes of a lesson or unit.
Working with Colleagues
Collaborate with Teachers Identify essential, challenging words in your subject.
Analyze standards, resources, and past difficulties.
Examine Vocabulary
Focus on foundational terms for future concepts (e.g., "civilization" in social studies).
Select multi-meaning words (e.g., "root" in math, science, and language arts).
Maximize Learning
Build language skills and comprehension.
Empower students to tackle complex concepts.
Support Student Needs
Assess background knowledge and vocabulary levels.
Pre-teach Tier 2/3 words, especially for Multilingual Learners.
Tried and True Strategies for Vocabulary Instruction
Explicit vocabulary instruction
clear, student-friendly definition presented directly to students along with examples and non-examples of words. This ensures that students understand both the meaning and use of the word, addressing any gaps in vocabulary knowledge.
Model and teach word learning strategies
This could include working with students to identify and use context clues (e.g…synonyms, antonyms, examples, definitions) and/or word parts (prefixes, suffixes, roots, and base words) to decode unfamiliar terms.
Marzano's vocabulary instruction process.
This six-step method for teaching academic vocabulary includes…
Providing an example: Give a description, explanation, or example of the new term. You can use
Restating the meaning: Ask students to explain the term in their own words.
Creating a visual representation: Have students draw, create a symbol, or make a graphic to represent the word.
Adding to knowledge: Have students add to their vocabulary notebooks with activities that help them learn more about the term.
Discussing the term: Have students discuss the term with a partner or in a small group.
Playing games: Have students engage in playful activities that involve the term such as Pictionary, Charades, Fly Swatter, Bingo, and other fun games.
As we intentionally select and teach foundational terms and concepts, we make challenging material more accessible and meaningful. In essence, we give students the keys that unlock a world of knowledge, expression, and academic success.
Tap in to Technology and Multimedia
When it comes to vocabulary instruction and review, technology and multimedia can help engage multiple learning modalities, enhancing retention. When presenting new vocabulary, pair words with images, videos or animations to make abstract words more concrete.
Brainscape: This site is a powerful flashcard creator that applies the principle of spaced repetition to regulate vocabulary review study, giving repeated exposure to the concepts students feel less sure about, and less to the ones they know more confidently. The free plan allows individuals to create and share cards and gives you access to some pre-made decks. Paid plans have more features and access to premium decks, which have been professionally certified.
Quizlet: This site makes it easy for students to engage in interactive practice with key vocabulary. Teachers/students can create digital flashcards with words and their definitions and then study through various methods such as flipping through cards, playing games, taking practice tests, and listening to pronunciations.
Bitsboard: Bitsboard is a slick, user-friendly tool that allows educators to create a variety of activities including flashcards for student use.
Flippity: This tool turns a Google Sheet into a set of online flashcards. Other options for word review include word searches, crossword puzzles, bingo cards, and Jeopardy!-style quiz games.
GoConqr: GoConqr is a platform where users can create and share flashcards, mind maps, quizzes, and other materials for free.
WordWall: This website allows teachers and students to create vocabulary activities like matching, cloze exercises, and jeopardy-style games. Teachers can create up to three activities for free.
Google Slides: This tool can be used to create individual and collaborative digital flashcards. They can also be used to create a Frayer model.
Blooket: Teachers can use Blooket to create a "question set" featuring vocabulary words and corresponding multiple-choice or short-answer questions. Questions can ask for definitions, synonyms, antonyms, example sentences or applications of the words in context. Blooket offers a variety of game modes (e.g…Tower Defense, Gold Quest, Battle Royal) that make vocabulary practice fun and engaging. Play/review modes include:
Putting it All Together
Effective vocabulary instruction is crucial for student success. By identifying and teaching essential Tier 2 and Tier 3 words, using various strategies, and creating a language-rich environment, teachers can empower students to understand complex texts, articulate their thoughts, and excel academically.