V: VOCABULARY

Objectives

As a result of reading and studying this chapter students will be able to:

• Identify the forms or types of vocabulary
• Sequence the levels of word knowledge
• Describe the Vocabulary Gap
• Recognize the contribution vocabulary size has on comprehension
• Name and explain the components of effective vocabulary instruction
• Describe vocabulary instruction that supports the needs of English-language learners

Key Terms

• Intentional vocabulary teaching
• Incidental vocabulary learning
• Specific word instruction
• Receptive vocabulary
• Productive vocabulary
• Word learning strategies
• Cognate awareness
• False cognates
• Morphemic analysis
• Contextual analysis
• Rich and robust instruction
• Word consciousness
• Adept diction

Assessment

Instructional PowerPoint

Web Resources

The following websites and resources may be useful to reading teachers in planning and implementing their lessons.

• Vocabulary in Beginning Reading
  This website, produced by the University of Oregon, presents the types of vocabulary, why these types are important, and effective methods for classroom instruction.
• Research Based Vocabulary Instruction: So Many Words - So Little Time by Vicki LaRock
  A PowerPoint presentation that introduces vocabulary strategies, classroom instruction, and best practices.
• The Dale-Chall List of 3,000 Simple Words
  The complete list of Dale-Chall's Tier One words known by average first and second graders.
• "Teaching Word-Learning Strategies"
  This excerpt from The Vocabulary Book: Learning & Instruction, by Michael F. Graves introduces a four-step strategy for using context, analyzing word parts, using dictionaries and reference tools, and creating personal strategies to determine word meanings.
• Using Word Webs to Teach Synonyms for Commonly Used Words
  A detailed multi-session vocabulary lesson for teaching synonyms that includes a variety of manipulatives including a word chart and conversation cards.
• Essential Vocabulary
  A five book set, developed by Academic Therapy Publications, that reinforces word meanings, spelling, and writing in a variety of real-world contexts.
• Supporting Vocabulary Development with EASE
  A lesson plan that uses an instructional method called EASE to introduces new vocabulary terms and their meanings.
• Vocabulary Instruction
  This website presents an overview of the types of vocabulary, scientifically based instruction, direct and indirect vocabulary learning, and suggested classroom activities.
• Education Place: Houghton Mifflin Spelling & Vocabulary
  Play a variety of online spelling and vocabulary games with your students. Spend some time playing the eWord Game and challenge your students to match vocabulary words with their meanings.