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.

Emotional colour chart.pdf

Emotion Colour Chart

Click to open/download

Vocabulary Supports.pdf

Vocabulary Supports

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Frayer Model - Sample to Download 2.pdf

The Frayer Model - Template 1

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Frayer Model.pdf

The Frayer Model - Template 2

Click to open/download

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.

seec.pdf

Alex Quigley outlines a practical approach to teaching individual words and phrases in his SEEC model, available here for you to explore. 

Click to open/download

CTVG.-7-Strategies-for-Exploring-Unfamiliar-Vocabulary.pdf

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. 

Click to open/download

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

vocab_activities_notebook_a5_0.pdf
vocabulary_rating_comprehension_strategy (1).pdf

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...