Transcript Meaning Vocabulary

Developing Meaning
Vocabulary
Developing Meaning Vocabulary
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Remember that vocabulary development is complex.
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Introduce vocabulary in authentic situations.
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Actively involve students in developing word knowledge
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Access and activate prior knowledge
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Facilitate the development of independent vocabulary
development
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Review and reinforce vocabulary growth
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Always present vocabulary in context
What Does Research Say?
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The influence of meaning vocabulary is one of the most
enduring findings of educational research.
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Vocabulary knowledge is among the best predictors of
reading achievement.
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Differences in children’s vocabularies develop even
before school begins and are key to inequality of
educational attainment.
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Direct instruction in word meanings is effective, can
make a significant difference in a student’s overall
vocabulary, and is critical for those students who do not
read extensively.
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Studies show that words should be processed deeply
and repeatedly.
Source: Words are wonderful: Interactive, time-efficient strategies to teach
meaning vocabulary (Margaret Ann Richek, 2005)
Classroom Implications
Use active approaches to learning vocabulary
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Relate vocabulary to background knowledge and
experience
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Construct definitions and illustrate words
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Dramatize words
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Expand sentences
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Use manipulatives
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Develop concept cards
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Connect to literature
Classroom Implications (cont.)
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Context clues
Locate context clues
Teach students to use context clues
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Structural Analysis
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Categorization
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Analogies and Word Lines
 Semantic Maps and Word Webs
Classroom Implications (cont.)
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Semantic feature analysis
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Dictionary use
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Word Origins and Histories
 Figurative Language
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Word Play
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Computer Techniques
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Special Words
Presenting Vocabulary in Context
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Contextualize the word within the story.
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Have children say the word.
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Provide a student-friendly explanation of the word.
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Present examples of the word used in contexts
different from the story context.
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Engage children in activities that get them to
interact with the words.
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Read the story.
Beck, I.L., McKeown, M.G., & Kucan, L. (2002).
Sentence and Word Expansion
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Take a simple sentence from a book or student’s paper
and write it on the board.
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Ask students to take each part of the sentence and
replace it with more interesting words. Example: The
dog is in the house.
Santa, Carol, Havens, L., Maycumber, E. (1996)
Semantic Feature Analysis
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Feature analysis is a formal comparison of the aspects
of meaning that define an entity or concept. It can be
useful for differentiating terms.
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Try marking the features of “cup,” “glass,” and “mug”.
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To what extent do these words have “semantic overlap”?
Moats, L. (2004)
Word Play
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Discuss puns and provide examples
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Use Hink Pink, Hinky Pinkies, and Hinkety Pinketies
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Crossword puzzles
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Riddles and scavenger hunts
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Silly questions
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Write words to illustrate their meanings
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Clue or 20 Questions
Recommended Reading
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Bear, Donald, et al, Words Their Way: Word Study for
Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling Instruction. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
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Beck, I.L., McKeown, M.G., & Kucan, L. (2002).
Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction.
New York: Guilford Press.
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Moats, L. (2004). LETRS: Language essentials for
teachers of reading and spelling, Book 2. Longmont, CO:
Sopris West Educational Services.
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Santa, Carol, Havens, L., Maycumber, E. (1996).
Project CRISS: Second Edition. Dubuque, IA: Kendall
Hunt.
For more information regarding materials and ideas
outlined in this presentation, please contact Cherry Carl at
[email protected]