1. Quality Plus Teaching Strategies
Vocabulary

2. Background Knowledge
Highlighted article on Importance of Vocabulary from Learning Focused Schools training guide
Reviewed two common models for direct vocabulary instruction – Frayer and Word Map
Reviewed Rubric on assessing vocabulary strategies
Used Frayer Model to describe each category on the vocabulary strategies rubric
Summarized descriptors in a chart for vocabulary learning walks

3. GCPS Vocabulary Descriptor
Explicitly teach essential content-related vocabulary.
Evidence of effective use of strategy.
Vocabulary is posted in the classroom and school in meaningful ways specific to grade level and content.
Teacher previews and presents vocabulary in context through a variety of strategies
Students apply their knowledge of vocabulary in their work and writings, and transfer their knowledge to subsequent learning.

4. Word Walls
A systematically organized collection of key words targeted for study
Visual reference point where words are displayed in large letters and color-coded for easy identification
In upper grades, they typically focus on new “content” vocabulary, clustered by theme or topic
May have permanent word walls, with most important vocabulary displayed all year

5. Strategies for Word Walls
Encourage the use of the word walls by referring to it during instruction, as well as while completing practice activities or writing responses
Add a color-coding system and/or use related pictures or symbols as a scaffolding technique
Teachers will limited wall space may have students create word/vocabulary notebooks where students record new words on a personal “word wall” [file folder”]

6. Adaptations to Word Walls
Pocket Chart Word Wall
Portable File Folder Word Wall
Floor Walk Word Wall [velcro]
Magnetic Board Word Wall [business card magnets]
Art Board Word Wall [science project boards]
Locker Word Wall
Clothes Line Word Wall

7. How do you use your word wall in instruction throughout the week?
Words on a wall in a classroom will not greatly impact achievement unless they are used.
It is the use of the Word Wall by students that increases learning and achievement.
Learning Focused Schools 2005
How do you use your word wall in instruction throughout the week?

8. Word Wall Activities Intermediate Grades
10 Questions [2 versions] Missing Persons
Opposites Attract [antonyms and synonyms] Crabble Scrabble
Vocabulary Lingo [Bingo] What am I?
High School Vocabulary/Word Wall Activities
Question Quiz Show Possible sentences
Ticket to Leave/Enter
Analogize First Word
Visual Synetics Ripping Riddles
Carousel Brainstorming Name that Word

9. A Six-Step Process for Teaching Academic Vocabulary
Provide a description, explanation, or example of the new term.
Ask students to restate the above in their own words.
Ask students to construct a picture, symbol, or graphic representing the term or phrase.
Engage students in activities that help them add to their knowledge of the terms in their notebooks.
Ask students to discuss terms with one another.
Involve students in games that allow them to play with the terms.
Building Academic Vocabulary: Teacher’s Manual 2005

10. Vocabulary Graphic Organizers
Great website link on West Virginia’s Department of Education website
Knowledge Rating Scale
Frayer Model
Word Detective
Vocab-O-Gram
Vocabulary Cluster
Own the Word
Verbal and Visual Word Association [VVWA]
Concept Map
Alphaboxes

11. Vocabulary Strategies…
That Analyze, Classify, and Categorize Words
Word Maps and Charts
Frayer Model
Concept Maps
Semantic Mapping
Semantic Feature Analysis (Matrix)
Word/Picture Splash
Word Sorts
Vocabulary Overview Guide
Give One! Get One!
5-3-1
Circle Map
Brainstorm “Flexibility Style” Web
Brainstorm and Categorize
Which Word Doesn’t Belong
Writing Definitions

12. Vocabulary Strategies…
That use Context Cues
Pre-reading Predictions
Probable or Predictable Passages
Story Pyramid
Character Map
Multi-sensory Strategy
Shake It Up/Synonym Substitution
Guess the Meaning
Check the Expert
Word Detective

13. Vocabulary Strategies…
That Extend and Refine.
Word Pyramid
Act It Out
Concentration
Building Vocabulary through Suffixes
Building Vocabulary through Prefixes
Synonym Webs for “Tired Words”
Vocabulary Concept Chain
Draw a Picture or Diagram
Question Quiz Show