Systematic vocabulary instruction is one of the most

• Systematic vocabulary instruction is one of the most important instructional interventions that teachers can use, particularly with low-achieving students. – Marzano, 2004 • Students need to be exposed to a word at least six times in context to learn the meaning of the word. • One of the best ways to learn a new word is to associate a mental image or symbolic representation with it. • Direct instruction on words that are critical to new content produces the most powerful learning. Resource: Thinking Maps Company

Possible Word Learning Strategies to use with the Circle Map High Yield Strategies • Illustration (required) • Definition in your own words (required) Personal associations Properties Related words (categories) Example Derivations (parts of speech) Non-Examples Associated words Roots Affixes Essential characteristics Non-essential characteristics Sentence with a context clue Native Language Resource: Thinking Maps Company

Define: Write the definition in your own words. Illustrate: Draw a picture for this word. When people in a country vote and make the laws for their country Word: Democracy People in a democracy are not ruled by a king or queen. Sentence: Use the word in a sentence. Nigeria North Korea China Non-Examples Provide at least two non-examples

Illustrate: Draw a picture for this word. Define: Write the definition in your own words. the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. Word: religion There are five major religions in the world, and I belong to the Christian faith. Sentence: Use the word in a sentence. Science Math Non-Examples Provide at least two non-examples