Finding the Words
Aim: To explore the development and use of vocabulary in the English classroom.
There are 3 short audiograms below featuring 3 different English teachers sharing their approaches to working with vocabulary. Each audiogram is accompanied by a selection of supports for you to explore.
Finally, we invite you to share what works for you in terms of teaching vocabulary on our sharing Padlet at the bottom of this page.
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1. Exploring the Power of Words
English teacher, Maryellen O'Keeffe, from Causeway Comprehensive, Co. Kerry, shares some of her favourite classroom strategies to help students develop their vocabulary.
Emotion Colour Chart
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Vocabulary Supports
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The Frayer Model - Template 1
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The Frayer Model - Template 2
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2. Semantic Mapping
Listen to the audiogram below. Here, English teacher, Emer Whyte, mentions some supports she uses in her classroom to help develop her students' vocabulary.
We have included links to the Oxford Online Dictionary, Word Hippo and Visuwords, supports we have encountered and may be of use to you in your English classroom.
English teacher, Emer Whyte, from Galway ETSS, explains how she uses Semantic Mapping in her English classroom.
Visuwords is a visual dictionary and thesaurus all in one. It works like semantic modelling allowing students to see a variety of word families, connections and meanings.
It may be useful when you are pre-teaching or encountering new vocabulary in the texts you are using in your classroom.
3. Closing the Vocabulary Gap
English teacher, Patrick Huff, from Ardscoil Mhuire, Limerick, discusses his school's approach to building vocabulary in the English classroom.
Alex Quigley outlines a practical approach to teaching individual words and phrases in his SEEC model, available here for you to explore.
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Patrick Huff mentioned 'Closing the Vocabulary Gap' by Alex Quigley. This PDF summarises some of the main ideas. It may be of interest to you.
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For further supports around the etymology and roots of words, visit any of the websites below:
English teacher, Patrick Huff, also mentions the Vocabulary Enrichment and Intervention Programme which is run by the NBSS/NCSE. We've included a selection of supports from this programme that may be of interest to you.
Click below to open/download
4. Share what works for you
Please click on the '+' button in the bottom right corner to contribute to the Padlet below.
This Padlet will continue to be populated for the duration of CPD Delivery 2022-23.
Please note: All material from each workshop will be available for you to return to at your convenience.
Having completed this workshop, consider...
One practical resource/suggestion that might work for you in your context
How might this resource influence your department and classroom practice?