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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 Words from 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!