The words we use to speak, write, and read are called our vocabulary. We need a strong vocabulary to share ideas.
Teaching tips for vocabulary
"I feel happy when ______."
"_______ makes me happy."
Strategies for vocabulary
Strategy: First Teach Important Words and Ideas
Before reading a story, your students should understand the words and ideas in the story. Make a vocabulary list of key words in the text. Post the list in the classroom. Say the words with students. Talk about the meanings. Also explain any new ideas in the story.
Strategy: Active Read-Aloud
This strategy can be used for vocabulary and comprehension.
When reading aloud to your class, ask questions about a new or important word. Let students answer in their home language or English. Correct or add to the students' answers.
Here is an example:
TEACHER: "What does it mean to hate somebody?
STUDENT: "You do not like them."
TEACHER: "Yes. But a little or a lot?"
STUDENT: "A lot. You do not like them a lot."
Explain the meaning of the word. Give a definition, related words, and examples. Use your face, objects, pictures, or physical movements to show word meanings while they read aloud.
Strategy: Word Map
A Word Map is like a picture. It organizes information in a visual way. Word Maps help students to think about new words in different ways.
On the board or on paper, write the new word in the middle of the map. Tell the students to think about the word. Then they fill in the rest of the map with a definition, sentences using the word, related words, unrelated words, and pictures to explain the word. Do this as a whole class or in small groups.
Assessment for vocabulary
Assessing, or testing, vocabulary in your students is very important. Here are some ways to assess vocabulary of early and advanced learners.
Match words with visuals
This type of assessment is very helpful for early learners and learners with a very low English level. Choose the target words —the words you want to test. Then, collect or draw pictures to go with each word. You can also use objects. Say the word and then have the student choose the correct picture or object.
Interviews
Chose the target words and ask the student questions:
- Can you use this word in a sentence?
- What word in your language means the same thing?
- Use your face and body to show the word's meaning.
In their own words (Summarize)
Give students a short text to read. Make sure the text has target vocabulary. Students then can show their understanding of the vocabulary by re-telling, describing, or explaining the text. You can also ask students to talk about a character or favorite part of the story using the target vocabulary.
Role-plays
Role-plays are a form of acting. Give students a text to read and have them act it out. More advanced students can write a play using the target vocabulary. Students can play the role of the teacher and review vocabulary with the class.
Use these tips, strategies, and assessment methods that best serve you and your learners. Change them to fit your students and teaching situation.
I'm Anna Matteo. And I'm Caty Weaver.
Anna Matteo wrote this article for VOA Learning English. It is part of a larger collection of Early Literacy Materials.
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focus – v. the center of activity, attraction, or attention
suit – v. to meet a person's needs or desires
visual – adj. something that is seen