Remedy for Vocabulary Instruction

Symptom: Loss of memory when copying words and definitions from a dictionary

Diagnosis: Non-Contextualized Vocabulary Deficiency!

Causes: Random word lists No direct vocabulary instruction Copying complicated incomprehensible definitions from dictionaries

Prescription and Wellness Plan

Prescription

Wellness Plan 1. Meaningful literature 2. Power words 3. Eight step exercise plan 4. Daily extension vitamin

Choose a meaningful short text. You will do a read aloud with this text. You will focus on this text for a week. You will re-read this text throughout the week.

Read the text before you give it to the students. Make a list of all the words you think would be good for your vocabulary list. Narrow the list down to 3-5 POWER words based on students’ needs.

Eight-Step Exercise Plan

Exercise Step 1 Introduce your vocabulary words on the first day. Read the sentences in which the words are found – not the whole book. Example: Teacher reads: “If something is unfair, we can protest, or speak out against it. Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver National Geographic

Exercise Step 2 Show students an illustration with the word. Make the students say the word twice. Example: Protest Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver National Geographic

Exercise Step 3 Show students the word in their native language. Make the students say the word in both languages. Example: Protest - Protestar

Exercise Step 4 Give students a short, easy definition of the word. Make the students repeat the word and definition. Example: Protest – to speak against something you do not like Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver National Geographic

Exercise Step 5 Give students examples of the word. Use pictures. Example: If our school had uniforms, students might protest to change the dress code.

Exercise Step 6 Let students interact with the word. Example: Teacher says: When I show you a picture, stand up if it is an example of protest. Sit down if it is not an example.

Exercise Step 6 Let students interact with the word. Example: Teacher says: When I show you a picture, stand up if it is an example of protest. Sit down if it is not an example.

Exercise Step 7 Ask Questions. Example: Teacher says: Boys and girls have you ever seen a protest? What is something at school that you would like to protest against? Do you think protests are good or bad and why?

Exercise Step 8 Review the word. Example: Teacher says: Boys and girls what word means to speak against something that you do not like? All of the students would say the vocabulary word again: PROTEST

Step 4: Daily Vitamins Reinforce vocabulary through extension activities

Word Walls Make a word wall with the new vocabulary words. Put the word, definition, and picture on the wall.

Scavenger Hunt Students look for the vocabulary word in other texts that they read. Students put stickers on the word posted on the word wall when they find the word in other texts.

Musical Chairs Write definitions on cards. Place the cards in a circle around the room. Students walk around the circle as music plays. When the music stops, students stop and pick up a card. Students read the cards and give the correct word.

Bedazzled Words Students write the words in big letters on paper. Students make the word look like its meaning. For example: the word icy might have icicles hanging off it

Carousel Match Put the definition, a picture, or an example of the word on a card. Tape the cards around the room on the walls. Give each student a card with a vocabulary word. Students search the wall for the correct match to their word. The students stand beside the card. Go around the room and have each student read his word and the definition or example.

Drug Facts and Warnings Do: Follow the exercise plan for each word. Take a daily extension vitamin each day. Select text and vocabulary appropriate for ELLs. Use content related text for read alouds. Don’t: Make ELLs copy definitions from dictionaries! Forget to target academic terms. Skip steps! Forget to be creative and add to this prescription.