Presented by: Robin Talkowski, Ed.D.

“A robust approach to vocabulary involves directly explaining the meanings of words along with thought-provoking, playful, and interactive follow-up.”

(Beck, McKeown, and Kucan, 2002)

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Why should we teach it?

What words should be taught?

How should it be taught?

Vocabulary Instruction should be …

Intentional – direct instruction

Contextual – seen and used in multiple contexts

Constructive – students must help construct the meaning

Intentional?

Vocabulary increases through exposure.– Oral language

– Reading

– The osmosis theory of vocabulary learning.

So why isn’t that good enough?

Oral Language Learning Our brain is “hard

wired” for oral language.

Most of these words are more concrete and accompanied by examples, intonation, and gestures.

Not all are exposed to the same level of oral language.

Expand Vocabulary Through Reading Must read widely to

see the words multiple times.

Must be able to make inferences.

Must see the word in multiple contexts.

Problems with context learning

What does lunula mean?

Clue #1: I can see a lunula more clearly on some of my fingers than on others.

Clue #2: I imagine that after getting a manicure my lunulae will be more visible.

So …

Students need direct instruction to be able to understand and use the words when talking and writing.

Students must see and use words in multiple contexts. Word Exploration

– Have you ever?• Have you or someone you know ever been

stranded someplace? What happened? How did you handle it?

• What things might happen to cause you to strut instead of just walk normally? Name two.

Students must see and use words in multiple contexts Making choices

– If any of these things can fluctuate, say the word, “fluctuate.”

• the cost of clothes

• your name

• your mood

• the size of your house

• the tides

• your grades

                                                                  

Students must help construct the meaning of words.

Super Word Web

Sentence: Every morning I badger my sons until I am sure they are awake before I leave.

The word: badger (v) [baj er]

Synonyms Example

nagged teachers making sure you

study

Alternative meanings:

(n.) an animal that builds burrows, has short legs, and a furry body

Students must help construct the meaning of words

analyze

Taking things apart to understand them better

Analysis is taking apart a car to understand how it works

Multiple MeaningsMultiple Meanings ProjectProject By,Mike By,Mike

FastFast – imparting quickness in motion – imparting quickness in motion

On my street a car drove extremely On my street a car drove extremely fastfast by my house. by my house.

I kept a I kept a fastfast grip on the bar throughout the ride. grip on the bar throughout the ride.

FastFast – Firmly fixed, attached, or fastened – Firmly fixed, attached, or fastened

When Antoine Walker returned to the Celtics, he When Antoine Walker returned to the Celtics, he and Paul Pierce became and Paul Pierce became fastfast friend again. friend again.

FastFast – Loyal ; firm – Loyal ; firm

My watch was running My watch was running fastfast..

FastFast – Indicating a time ahead of the actual time – Indicating a time ahead of the actual time Fast -

When people When people fastfast the usually only eat bread and drink water. the usually only eat bread and drink water.

Fast – Fast – to go without all or certain foodto go without all or certain food

Vocabulary Instruction should be …

Intentional – direct instruction

Contextual – seen and used in multiple contexts

Constructive – students must help construct the meaning

References:

 Beck, Isabel L, Margaret G. McKeown, and Linda Kucan (2002). Bringing Words to Life. New York: Guilford Press.

 

“Teaching Vocabulary To Improve Comprehension,” lecture by Mary E. Curtis. Massachusetts General Hospital (2005).

 

 

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