expanding students' knowledge of words
Knowledge of word meanings is a prerequisite for comprehension. In order for students to comprehend a text and engage in discussion, they must understand the words contained in that text. While most would agree in the need for vocabulary instruction, there are varying ideas about how instruction should look in the classroom. Some of the older, traditional methods are not very effective and yet you will witness these continuing to be used in many schools.
How Effective Teachers Expand Students’ Knowledge of Words
How Effective Teachers Expand Students’ Knowledge of Words
- Teachers provide daily opportunities for students to read books independently and listen to them read aloud.
- Teaches categorize unfamiliar words into three tiers – basic words, academic words, and specialized words.
- Teachers teach Tier 2 words using direct instruction and a variety of word-study activities.
- Teachers support students’ development of word-learning strategies.
- Teachers nurture students’ word consciousness.
idioms
Children should be exposed to idioms to build their understanding of figurative language. Suggested titles include Put Your Foot in Your Mouth and Other Silly Sayings (Cox, 1980), Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms: More than 600 Phrases, Sayings, and Expressions (Terban, 1996), Punching the Clock: Funny Action Idioms (Terban,
1990), and In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms (Terban, 1983).
1990), and In a Pickle and Other Funny Idioms (Terban, 1983).
shared readings: modeling comprehension, vocabulary, text structures, and text features for older readers
A study examined how teachers use shared reading and what patterns emerged in their application of this instructional strategy. Findings revealed that expert teachers focus their modeling during shared reading on the four categories of comprehension, vocabulary, text structures, and text features.