ResearchBased Vocabulary Strategies to Use in the Classroom

Research-Based Vocabulary Strategies to Use in the Classroom Presented By: Andrea Burnett, Kelly Palmer, and Kesha Peters

Effective Vocabulary Instruction Research shows… �There is a tremendous need for vocabulary instruction at all grade levels by all teachers. �If students do not steadily grow their vocabulary knowledge, reading comprehension will be affected. �There is no one best method for vocabulary instruction.

Effective Vocabulary Instruction �Vocabulary should be taught both directly and indirectly • Direct instruction = teaching specific words • Indirect instruction = exposing students to new words and using literature �Vocabulary instruction should be an ongoing process that involves using different approaches and strategies.

Quotes �“Vocabulary is the glue that holds stories, ideas and content together…making comprehension accessible for children. ” (Rupely, et al. , 1998/99). �“On average, students should add 2, 000 to 3, 000 new words a year to their reading vocabularies. ” (Beck, et al. , 2002).

Listening Previewing Strategy �In the listening previewing strategy, the teacher previews the vocabulary words and their definitions prior to reading the selection. �Previewing can be done verbally, or the words can be written out on paper or the board, or a combination of both.

Keyword Strategy �Mnemonic device �Links prior knowledge to new material through visual image �Programs information in a way that is easy to retrieve at a later time (The Access Center, 2006)

Keyword Example

Keyword Steps �Select Keyword �Illustrate Keyword �Write actual definition �Add element to link keyword to actual meaning

Student Samples

Let’s give it a try! Your vocabulary word is… APPRISE

Direct Word Learning Strategy �Students read a trade book that has the targeted words in context. Have discussions about the words as they are encountered in the story. �Each day, the students would complete a different “project” using the words in context and have peer discussions.

Vocabulary Four Square

Vocabulary Word Web

Sources � Cohen, L. , & Byrnes, K. (2007, March/April). Engaging children with useful words: vocabulary instruction in a third grade classroom. Reading Horizons Journal, 4(47), 271 -293. � Beck, I. L. , Mc. Keown, M. G. , & Kucan, L. (2002) Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction. New York: Guilford Press. � Rupley, W. H. , Logan, J. W. , & Nicols, W. D. (1998/1999). Vocabulary instruction in a balanced reading program. The Reading Teacher, 52 (4). � Sedita, J. (2005). Effective Vocabulary Instruction. Insights on Learning Disabilities, 33 -45. � The Access Center. (2006, December 14). Using mnemonic instruction to facilitate access to the general education curriculum. Retrieved from The Access Center website: http: //www. k 8 accesscenter. org/index. php/2006/12/14/using-mnemonic-instruction-to-facilitate-access-to-the -general-education-curriculum/ � Uberti, H. Z. , Scruggs, T. E. , & Masropieri, M. A. (2003). Keywords make the difference! Mnemonic instruction in inclusive classrooms. Teaching Exceptional Children, 53(3), 56 -61. � Hawkins, R. O. , Musti-rao, S. , Hale, A. , Mc. Guire, S. , & Hailley, J. (2010). Examining Listening Previewing as a Classwide Strategy to Improve Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary. Psychology in the Schools, 47(9), 903 -916.