Vocabulary from Unit
Why does this matter?
“Vocabulary lies at the heart of content learning. To support the development of vocabulary in the content areas, teachers need to give their students time to read widely, intentionally select words worthy of instruction, model their own word solving strategies, and provide students with opportunities to engage in collaborative conversations.
Vocabulary is a significant predictor of overall reading comprehension (Baumann, Kame'enui, & Ash, 2003) and student performance (Stahl & Fairbanks, 1986). When readers know a lot of words, they can read more complex texts. When writers know a lot of words, they can compose more sophisticated documents, (Douglas, Fisher and Nancy Frey).”
What does this look like in a classroom?
Below are two videos that show unit vocabulary being used in actual classrooms!
The first video highlights how teachers took key vocab from a unit of study and used it across multiple content areas. The second vidoe shows a teacher using a stratgy with key words in his classroom.
When it comes to content specific vocabulary instruction, there are many resources:
What does this look like in a remote learning context?
The webpage to the right offers dozens of ideas for establishing vocabulary in any classroom; there is a special section at the end which offers specific tips for using vocabulary during remote/ distance learning.
What are some key PD resources related to this topic?
Content Area Vocabulary Learning
Vocabulary Learning to Enhance Reading for Understanding
Below are a number of Guides from Read-Write -Think that can be helpful in all subjects:
Using Concept Circles to Develop Academic Vocabulary
Using Disciplinary Facets to Deepen Academic Vocabulary Knowledge
Using Generative Sentences to Apply Academic Vocabulary
Using Word Walls to Develop and Maintain Academic Vocabulary
What are special considerations / resources for Multilingual / English Language Learners?
All of the resources below can help you improve instruction for MLLs/ ELLs through vocabulary.
What are special considerations / resources for students with IEPs?
Check out the website to the right for some research based vocabulary practices for students with IEPs.
How is this related to CR-SE? (Culturally Responsive /Sustaining Education)
As we plan unit vocabulary, instruction it is important to keep the following ideas in mind from the CR-SE framework (from page 34):
• Play a role in helping schools to understand and align curriculum to the variety of histories, languages and experiences that reflect the diversity of the State population.
• Pair traditional curricular content with digital and other media platforms that provide current and relevant context from youth culture.
• Provide homework, projects, and other classroom materials in multiple languages.
How is this related to the Supportive Environment Framework / Social-Emotional Learning?
The Supportive Environment Framework states that "School leaders and staff effectively communicate expectations connected to a path to college and career readiness and successfully partner with families to support student progress toward those expectations." For our students to be ready for college and/or career, vocabulary development is essential!