Vocabulary Part 2

Last week we started to share the basics of vocabulary instruction in the classroom and expressed that we must be strategic. Teachers must provide students with multiple exposures, use tiered vocabulary, create a print rich environment, and gather effective strategies. Today’s post will focus on some simple activities you can use in your classroom starting tomorrow!

Making Meaning: This is a before and after reading strategy. Teachers use a chart with 3 columns (new words, before reading, and after reading) for filling in the new words. Before the students read, brainstorm what kids already know about each word and fill in the information. After reading, the chart is completed with information they learned about each word from the text.

Click here for the word document.

Vocabulary Anchors: Try this strategy using an interactive board during whole group instruction. Introduce new vocabulary using similar vocabulary. For instance, to introduce the word “colony”, you could identify the word “state” as a similar term. “State” should activate the students' prior knowledge. They will be able to identify characteristics of a “state” and list them on the board (+ part of the paper). Next, they will think aloud while reading about a colony to brainstorm ways that a colony is unique (-).

Click here for the word document.

Vocabulary Frames: Make vocabulary cards into a higher order thinking strategy. Students place the vocabulary term in the center of the card. In the right corner they develop a definition based on their understanding. In the left corner, they write an opposite of the center word. In the lower left corner they use the word in a sentence. Finally, they draw a picture about the word in the right corner.