Vocabulary acquisition is so important for any student, but even more so for students in poverty. We use two things in our classrooms for vocabulary (for all of the subjects in my classroom, or just social studies in Tim's classroom). First, we use explicit teaching of the vocabulary along with a vocabulary folder, and second we use student created word walls!
For vocabulary instruction in my room I mix, or mesh, Anita Archer's explicit teaching with Marzano's vocabulary strategies.
First, I say the word (volcano). Then I place my hand out and have the students repeat the word (volcano). I repeat this as needed to make sure there is correct pronunciation.
Second, I give a definition of the word (a volcano is an opening, usually on a mountain or hill, that has molten/hot/liquid rock come out of it). I usually repeat the definition a few times depending on the looks on faces.
Third, I use it in context or explain how it pertains to our lesson. (today, we are going to read about a volcano and how the molten rock comes out of the volcano).
And last, I have the students turn and tell a partner the word and a definition for the word. As they are telling each other I listen and observe to gage their understanding.
First, I say the word (volcano). Then I place my hand out and have the students repeat the word (volcano). I repeat this as needed to make sure there is correct pronunciation.
Second, I give a definition of the word (a volcano is an opening, usually on a mountain or hill, that has molten/hot/liquid rock come out of it). I usually repeat the definition a few times depending on the looks on faces.
Third, I use it in context or explain how it pertains to our lesson. (today, we are going to read about a volcano and how the molten rock comes out of the volcano).
And last, I have the students turn and tell a partner the word and a definition for the word. As they are telling each other I listen and observe to gage their understanding.
We then place the words into our vocabulary folders. We have one folder for all of our vocabulary words. But, to make it easy to find, each subject is printed on a different color paper. Then, the students can find the subject quickly and easily.
I have used multiple ways to keep all of the papers together. We've spiral bound them, we've placed them in binders and we've placed them in folders. It depends on the year and the materials available!
Click HERE for a free copy of the KIM charts!
Stay tuned for my next blog post which will be about student created word walls.
I have used multiple ways to keep all of the papers together. We've spiral bound them, we've placed them in binders and we've placed them in folders. It depends on the year and the materials available!
Click HERE for a free copy of the KIM charts!
Stay tuned for my next blog post which will be about student created word walls.