An excellent way to help students think about new words they encounter as they read is to create a double sided bookmark where students collect new words as they read. At the top of the bookmark, put “A word that the class should know is:” and leave some space for students to write their new [...]

One helpful way to draw student attention to words and the patterns found in words  is to ask students to engage in words sorts. There are three types of word sorts that you can use that are effective for both native speakers as well as English Language Learners. These are: sound sorts, pattern sorts and [...]

It’s really this simple: If students are to comprehend what they read, they have to understand the meaning of the words used in the text. Teachers, therefore, should explicitly teach students the words they need to know if they are to truly grasp the content of a story. Take the word “dinghy,” for example. Students [...]

Add a little fun and excitement to your student’s lives by helping them learn their vocabulary words in a game format. Run off blank Bingo cards for your class with the “free” space filled in on each card. Provide your students with a list of the vocabulary words you want them to practice and have [...]

According to Snow et al, (1998) children learn on the average of 7 words per day which is a lot of words! To help students focus on vocabulary building as they hear them in their every day world, have a special area in your classroom where students can add their new and interesting words. Have [...]