Vocabulary

“Vocabulary instruction is most effective when learners are given both definitional and contextual information, when they actively process the new word meanings, and when they experience multiple encounters with words. Said somewhat differently, vocabulary instruction is most effective when it is rich, deep, and extended”    (Graves, 2007, p, 14). 

Word Walls

A word wall is a visual presentation of important content specific academic vocabulary. Word wall words should be living places in your classroom that grow and change over time and are used as references daily (by both teachers and learners).

Below is an excerpt from Readwritethink.org about using word walls.

Using the Word Wall

• At its most basic, the function of a word wall is to give students constant access to the important content vocabulary for the class.  Pointing out to students that key words are always available to them helps promote independence and reinforces the importance of these words in the classroom.

• Encourage students to use content area/academic vocabulary appropriately in writing and classroom discussions.  When students use a closely related word or an informal definition instead of the target term, ask them to find the word on the wall that they could use instead.

• As the collection of words grows, invite students to find new ways to arrange them—by linguistic features (same initial letter, rhymes, root families), by synonyms or antonyms, by topical relationships, and so forth.

• Make time for students to share instances in which they encounter words from the wall in their own reading and everyday life.

• Consider temporary or permanent divisions on the wall into important categories for your class, such as the division into “academic” and “everyday” language.

Language Functions & Key words

Language Functions = the purpose/reason/goal for which language is being used.

Key Words = vocabulary specific to a language function

In order for learners to understand information (listening & reading) and express their understanding (speaking & writing), they need the specific vocabulary of the content and the specific vocabulary of the language function being used.

• Include key words in graphic organizers, anchor charts, word walls, guided notes, and sentence frames.

• Intentionally teach how these words are used within the context of the content.

• Provide opportunities for learners to practice using these words.

Academic Conversations: Accountable Talk

During academic discussions, all students are practicing using the words and phrases from the content to connect with ideas and explain their understanding and thinking. Accountable talk sentence stems, in conjunction with word walls and anchor charts, set the expectations for language that is used in these discussions.

The Teacher Toolkit website offers free, printable protocol for using accountable talk and sentence stem templates for elementary and secondary classrooms.