How to Teach Vocabulary in Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade // Effective Vocabulary Instruction

Summary

In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of vocabulary development for students, specifically in relation to reading and language comprehension. They address common questions from teachers about how many words to teach, how to choose them, and the most effective teaching strategies. The video highlights the need for explicit vocabulary instruction, recommending 10-12 words per week, and shares research-based activities for teaching words with depth and breadth. Key suggestions include focusing on high-value words, using read-alouds, and incorporating tiered vocabulary strategies. The speaker also provides a 5-step process for effectively introducing new words to students.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vocabulary development is crucial for enhancing both language and reading comprehension in students.
• 😀 Teachers should aim to explicitly teach 10 to 12 new vocabulary words per week, which equates to about 400 words per year.
• 😀 Choosing vocabulary words should be purposeful, based on students' needs and the context of the curriculum, not just from pre-made lists.
• 😀 A key approach to teaching vocabulary is using read-alouds, selecting books that include high-value words central to the story's theme.
• 😀 Tier 2 words (more sophisticated, high-frequency words) are the most important to teach explicitly, as they are used across various contexts.
• 😀 Words with multiple meanings, like 'bark' or 'deck,' are particularly valuable for teaching vocabulary at a deeper level.
• 😀 Explicit vocabulary instruction involves five steps: introducing the word, defining it in a student-friendly way, providing context, checking understanding with yes/no questions, and encouraging students to use the word in their own sentences.
• 😀 It's important for students to 'own' the vocabulary words they learn, meaning they can confidently use the words in different contexts.
• 😀 Vocabulary instruction should integrate real-life experiences, such as using seasonal or culturally relevant vocabulary, alongside traditional lessons.
• 😀 Visual aids, connections to students' lives, and interactive activities, like word webs or using the words in context, help students internalize and retain vocabulary.

Q & A

Why is vocabulary development important for students?

Vocabulary development is crucial for students because it directly influences their reading and language comprehension. A strong vocabulary helps students understand texts better and communicate more effectively.

What is the difference between 'breadth' and 'depth' of vocabulary?

Breadth refers to how many words a student knows, while depth refers to how well a student understands the meanings and uses of those words.

What is the 'word rich vs. word poor' concept?

'Word rich' students have a large vocabulary and a good understanding of many words, while 'word poor' students have fewer words in their vocabulary, which can impact their comprehension skills.

How many vocabulary words should teachers explicitly teach each week?

Research suggests that teachers should explicitly teach 10 to 12 vocabulary words per week. This allows students to learn and deepen their understanding of approximately 400 words each school year.

Where can teachers find words to teach their students?

Teachers should select vocabulary words from the texts they are reading with students, especially focusing on high-value words that are central to the theme or have multiple meanings. It's better than relying on predefined vocabulary lists.

What are tiered vocabulary words, and which tier should be prioritized for teaching?

Tiered vocabulary consists of three levels: Tier 1 (basic, commonly known words), Tier 2 (more sophisticated words used across contexts), and Tier 3 (specialized, content-specific words). Teachers should prioritize Tier 2 words for explicit instruction as they are more relevant and widely applicable.

What is the five-step process for effective vocabulary instruction?

The five-step process involves: 1) saying, writing, and reading the word; 2) defining the word in a student-friendly way with visual support; 3) using the word in context and explaining its meaning and non-meaning; 4) asking yes/no questions about the word’s meaning; and 5) encouraging students to use the word.

How can teachers use read-alouds to teach vocabulary?

During read-alouds, teachers should focus on selecting books with high-value vocabulary, especially words central to the story's theme or words with multiple meanings. Teachers can explicitly teach these words by using them in context and providing explanations.

What role do activities like word webs and semantic networks play in vocabulary instruction?

Activities like word webs and semantic networks help students make connections between the new word and other concepts they know, reinforcing and deepening their understanding of the word.

What is meant by students 'owning' a vocabulary word?

When students 'own' a word, they fully understand its meaning and can use it confidently and appropriately in different contexts, not just in the classroom but also in their daily lives.