Using the vocabulary routine, displaying the vocabulary words, and integrating vocabulary into daily lessons.
Daily Routine
Vocabulary is taught within a daily routine and teaches students to use morphemes and context clues to determine the meaning of words. A vocabulary handbook is provided for each student. Providing explicit instruction of these key vocabulary words will be critical to a student's ability to understand and respond to the text. Research has shown that reading volume and vocabulary acquisition are key in increasing reading comprehension. In The Read Side by Side reading program, students have the opportunity to study over 550 vocabulary words!
Vocabulary handbooks are found at the back of every teacher's guide, as well as online on each grade level resource page. A morpheme glossary is included in the handbook. A blank example can be found HERE. A 10 minute vocabulary routine is taught at the beginning of almost every lesson.
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Watch Sarah teach the word "injustice" using the vocabulary routine to a class of students.
| TIP: In order to stay within the 10 minute timeframe for the routine, have students hold off on stories until the end, if there is time. |
| TIP: The most important parts of the vocabulary routine are identifying morphemes and looking at context clues to determine meaning and coming up with synonyms and antonyms. If you are running over time, it is possible to make the text to world and remember the word sections optional "may do" items. |
Displaying the Words
Each time you introduce a new word, it is important to display that word in the classroom. This encourages students to use the words during their turn and talks and during their writing assignments. This allows for transfer of skills and cementing of the vocabulary words in the student's lexicon. There are several ways you can display the words. You could create a word wall, use a pocket chart or write the words on chart or butcher paper. Here are a few examples of how you could display your words:
Reinforcing Vocabulary
Ownership of the words is fostered when students are given authentic opportunities to use the newly learned vocabulary in the context of rigorous classroom discussion and writing. It is important to give students the opportunity to use the word immediately in their turn and talk. They will be more likely to understand and remember the word. As students participate in formal or informal writing assignments, they again have the opportunity to practice the word. Students need multiple encounters with words before they become known. Students will again have the chance to practice and use the words when they read the paired book club and book box titles.