Using Vocabulary to increase student learning
Learning new words is like acquiring materials to construct a building. To construct a building, one needs a strong foundation and areas to attach new materials. The stronger the attachments and foundations, the higher one can build. Vocabulary is no different.
Students need explicit vocabulary instruction and opportunities to make connections to their own lives and experiences.
Passive vs. Active Vocabulary
Passive vocabulary has to do with receptive language. Students are able to read the words and understanding the meaning. Passive vocabulary allows students to interpret the world around them.
Active vocabulary are the words you use when you speak and write, which is lower than passive vocabulary. Active vocabulary enables you to express oneself.
It’s important that students increase both their passive and active vocabulary.
So, how can teachers increase student vocabulary? Below are a few low-prep strategies that can help.
Vocabulary Charades
Get students to take turns acting out key vocabulary words to the class or in small groups. Student could choose from a pile of unit vocabulary words.
Analyze
Teach students the meaning of prefixes, root words, and suffixes as they relate to the vocabulary words in your units. For example, the prefix dis means not, none, or apart. Students can use prefixes to figure out new words. Common words with dis as a prefix are disconnect, dishonest, disarm, disagreeable.
Use a Graphic Organizer
Vocabulary graphic organizers help students make multiple connections to new words. The more connections the better.
Variations
1) Students complete the graphic organizer for each vocabulary in the unit
2) Students are each assigned one or two vocabulary words then all are compiled into a class set to be shared: either in print or online.
3) Student could complete the graphic organizer in groups for specific words and then share with other groups. It’s like a jigsaw activity.
Below are two free vocabulary templates.
Students need explicit vocabulary instruction and opportunities to make connections to their own lives and experiences.
Passive vs. Active Vocabulary
Passive vocabulary has to do with receptive language. Students are able to read the words and understanding the meaning. Passive vocabulary allows students to interpret the world around them.
Active vocabulary are the words you use when you speak and write, which is lower than passive vocabulary. Active vocabulary enables you to express oneself.
It’s important that students increase both their passive and active vocabulary.
So, how can teachers increase student vocabulary? Below are a few low-prep strategies that can help.
Vocabulary Charades
Get students to take turns acting out key vocabulary words to the class or in small groups. Student could choose from a pile of unit vocabulary words.
Analyze
Teach students the meaning of prefixes, root words, and suffixes as they relate to the vocabulary words in your units. For example, the prefix dis means not, none, or apart. Students can use prefixes to figure out new words. Common words with dis as a prefix are disconnect, dishonest, disarm, disagreeable.
Use a Graphic Organizer
Vocabulary graphic organizers help students make multiple connections to new words. The more connections the better.
Variations
1) Students complete the graphic organizer for each vocabulary in the unit
2) Students are each assigned one or two vocabulary words then all are compiled into a class set to be shared: either in print or online.
3) Student could complete the graphic organizer in groups for specific words and then share with other groups. It’s like a jigsaw activity.
Below are two free vocabulary templates.
Mind Mapping/Semantic Mapping
Saving the best for last. The mind map. Start with a central idea in the middle of the page (landscape)
Mind mapping is all about making connections.
Take Away
Vocabulary knowledge becomes increasingly important as students encounter more challenging academic content. Direct, explicit vocabulary instruction helps students to become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.
Saving the best for last. The mind map. Start with a central idea in the middle of the page (landscape)
Mind mapping is all about making connections.
- Use Colour
- Curved lines
- Pictures
- One Word at a time
Take Away
Vocabulary knowledge becomes increasingly important as students encounter more challenging academic content. Direct, explicit vocabulary instruction helps students to become stronger readers, writers, speakers, and thinkers.