Vocabulary knowledge is one of the most important predictors of reading comprehension.

7 Principles of Developing Vocabulary with Students

1.       Building experiential background: field trips, projects, handling artifacts, experiments, etc.

2.     Relating/Connecting background to students’ experiences: relate words to experiences students have had--- look at daily vocabulary activities in vocabulary packet.

3.     Building Relationships: showing how words are related to one another---synonyms, antonyms, classifying words, word webs--- daily vocabulary activities

4.     Developing a depth of meaning: knowledge of words that goes beyond the definition--- can the student USE  the word in the appropriate context; simulation--- daily vocabulary activities

5.     Providing Multiple Exposures: Frequent exposure to vocabulary is essential because of limited memory and attention. Even incidental exposure over time can help clarify meaning.

6.     Creating an interest in words: Get kids excited about words—Word Wizard, Word Wall, Daily Buzz Word… Read Aloud books that encourage playfulness with regard to vocabulary (Miss Alaineus: A Vocabulary Disaster by Debra Frasier). Challenge students with sesquipedalian words (very long words- foot and a half)

7.     Teaching students how to learn NEW WORDS!!!!!! Promote independent word learning skills…