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 [...]

Hilda Taba’s time-tested strategy (1967) called List-group-label is a great way of helping students connect to their own background knowledge and organization skills. This activity can be used with students of any level, in any content area and with any degree of proficiency. Give students a topic and ask them to brainstorm all of the [...]

Help students keep track of new words that they are learning by having them record new words they encounter in a vocabulary journal. Students can use three-ring binders or spiral notebooks depending on teacher choice. In each notebook, divide the page into columns and have students record the word along with other noteworthy characteristics about [...]

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 [...]