Partnerships for Literacy and Learning

  

  • Home
  • Services
    • Professional Learning K-6
    • Professional Learning 6-12
    • Professional Learning K-12
  • Projects
    • Bridging Project
    • VALLI
    • Literacy Coaching
    • MTSS-RtII
  • Events
    • Workshops & Conferences
    • Summer Institute
  • About
    • Mission
    • History
    • Contact
  • Blog

Vocabulary for Valentines!

February 17, 2016 by Lisa Driver

We  know that research has shown that vocabulary is an important factor in reading and  listening comprehension and ultimately academic success. We know that the CCSS emphasizes vocabulary development.  We know that using a variety of techniques and approaches facilitates vocabulary acquisition (pre-teaching difficult vocabulary words, direct and explicit teaching, building on students prior knowledge, and using computer technology to teach vocab words). We know all of this is important but realize the challenge of engaging our adolescents to learn new vocabulary. Creating a classroom where new and interesting vocabulary is prepensed, lionized and savored may help!

In Beck, McKeown and  Kucan’s  book,  Bringing  Words to LIfe , they write about creating a lively verbal environment in the classroom. “Teachers who revel in language are those who use words well and are eager to discover new words and word meanings. They play with words, rejoice in word lore, and model a genuine fascination for the feelings and images that words can evoke and create” (2013).

Our adolescents live in a very dynamic and ever-changing world. Consider focusing on what is relevant in their world as a natural motivator to increase exploring, retaining and applying new words. Spend just five minutes of class time exploring and encountering words  based on what is going on in their lives. Make it interesting and relevant to them by connecting it to an event, holiday or popular movie. Get them hooked on expanding their vocabulary inside and outside of the classroom. By exploring new words teachers can model and build a natural curiosity  of vocabulary. And as a result students could be more apt to tackle new vocabulary words in their academic work.

A great resource  to find current relevant connections and ideas is  vocabulary.com.  These are some from the past month offering  suggestions for a quick vocabulary spotlight and links to texts.

  • Valentine’s Vocab: Want to Know What Love Is?
  • What Makes Vocabulary “Presidential”?
  • Oscar or No, What Does “Revenant” Mean?
  • Learn the Words Martin Luther King, Jr. Used to Change the World

Exploring vocabulary as a natural part of the school day and something that is relevant to adolescents fosters a natural curiosity about words and the world we live in!
Happy Valentines Day!  That’s Amore!

Filed Under: news

The PLL Difference

Partnerships for Literacy and Learning helps schools get better at developing students’ literate abilities so that they can think well and enjoy future success in school, work, and civic participation. We accomplish this by providing professional learning that improves teaching, strengthens leadership, and creates partnerships and networks.

In our literacy reform effort, we strive to enhance teacher and administrator knowledge and expertise, to promote teacher reflection and decision-making, and to help schools create the conditions necessary for all children to enjoy high levels of achievement.

LEARN MORE

Connect With PLL

Partnerships for Literacy and Learning
250 Main St, Ste 202
Montpelier, VT 05602
802.828.0521

SEND US AN EMAIL

Copyright © 2019 Partnerships for Literacy and Learning. All Rights Reserved. Site by Earthlogic.