What is vocabulary?

Vocabulary refers to the words we must know to communicate effectively. In general, vocabulary can be described as oral vocabulary (the words we use in speaking or recognize when listening) or reading vocabulary (the words we recognize or use in print).

 

Why is vocabulary important?

Vocabulary plays an important part in learning to read. As beginning readers, children use the words they have heard to make sense of the words they see in print. They have a much more difficult time reading words that are not already part of their oral vocabulary.

Vocabulary is also very important to reading comprehension. Readers cannot understand what they are reading without knowing what most of the words mean. As children learn to read more advanced texts, they must learn the meaning of new words that are not part of their oral vocabulary.

How do I teach vocabulary?

Here are some of the highlights from the evidence-based research on vocabulary instruction:

  • Children learn the meanings of most words indirectly, through everyday experiences with oral and written language. They do so by engaging daily in oral language, listening to adults read to them, and reading extensively on their own.
  • Although a great deal of vocabulary is learned indirectly, some vocabulary should be taught directly. This can be done through specific word instruction (teaching specific words, extended instruction that promotes active engagement with words, and repeated exposure to words in many contexts) and word learning strategies (using dictionaries and other reference aids, using word parts, and using context clues).
  • Vocabulary instruction should focus on important words (key words to help readers make sense of the text), useful words (words they will encounter often), and difficult words (words with multiple meanings, idiomatic words, etc.).
  • Don't confuse vocabulary word instruction with sight word instruction!
-National Institute for Literacy
  1. Vocabulary Lesson for Firetalking (Patricia Polacco)
  2. Using context clues to determine unknown word meanings
  3. Increasing Vocabulary

 

How do I keep vocabulary words in circulation?

How about adding a vocabulary display?
(Thanks to Lakewood's Third Grade Teachers for sharing their bulletin board below.)

How do I provide vocabulary practice?

  • Newspaper Hunt (letter recognition, sight word recognition, vocabulary words)
  • Wacky Word Recording Sheet
  • A Word Investigation
  • All-Star Word Bird
  • Vocabulary Awards
  • Vocabugraphic (For the 'color' box the students draw and color either the object the word represents, something related to it somehow, or the color it makes them think of, feel etc. It really depends on what the vocab word is. This box can be differentiated from the 'draw' box by having students 'draw' the word with balloon letters or unusual font, or giving the word features like eyes, teeth, and so on. The empty box is for students to write in a synonym, an antonym, homonym, etc.-whatever fits best with the targeted word.)
  • Roll, Say, Keep (a vocabulary version of the favorite sight word game)
  • Word Girl Synonym Toast
  • Synonym Posters (Print and display. Have students record synonyms for each poster by writing their more powerful word choices directly on the poster.)
  • "My Vocabulary Book"

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