focus area:
vocabulary development
Vocabulary development is an essential part of reading comprehension. While a student may be able to read a passage fluently, if they are not able to understand vocabulary words or use context clues to figure them out, they will have a very difficult time gaining meaning from the text. Furthermore, the quality of student writing is also enhanced by developing a broader vocabulary. In school, it is essential that students develop a general and specialized vocabulary knowledge bank in order to access and demonstrate their knowledge of the curriculum.
research
The National Reading Panel has referred to vocabulary as the "important middle ground in learning to read" (1). Knowing the meaning of words in text is critical to comprehension, yet research suggests that during the school day, less than 6% of instructional time is spent on vocabulary instruction (2). Based on research by Mezynski (1983) and Stahl & Fairbanks (1986), the three main components of effective vocabulary instruction are: wide reading enhanced through independent word learning strategies, morphology, and use of a dictionary; direct instruction; and building interest in words. When supporting vocabulary development, it is necessary for teachers to think about whether they want students to gain a superficial or deeper understanding of certain words. Fostering deeper understanding is achieved by activating students' prior knowledge, providing multiple exposures to words, providing definitions and contextual information, and using graphic aids (3). It is important to have these components in mind when considering technology tools to enhance vocabulary development. The following technology solutions incorporate many of these features.
Technology based solutions
Vocabulary.com - This site is perfect for students in high school that want to improve their vocabulary for the SAT or ACT. By creating a vocabulary.com account and answering questions, the program builds a model of your knowledge and predicts words that you need to learn. It incorporates challenges, review, and progress monitoring.
Teachers can use this tool to provide students with supplementary vocabulary instruction either at school or for homework. Educators can also create their own vocabulary lists aligning with class lessons for students to access. Teacher created lists can be geared towards any grade level, allowing younger elementary students to benefit from this site also.
Teachers can use this tool to provide students with supplementary vocabulary instruction either at school or for homework. Educators can also create their own vocabulary lists aligning with class lessons for students to access. Teacher created lists can be geared towards any grade level, allowing younger elementary students to benefit from this site also.
VocabAhead is a site that can be accessed from a computer or mobile device and is designed to be used by students in grade 6 and higher. This website provides students with definitions, games, quizzes, flashcards, and short narrated stories to help students learn vocabulary words.
Teachers can create and share curriculum-related vocabulary lists with students or embed customized vocabulary widgets into their blogs and webpages for students to access. The site also offers the unique opportunity for teachers to upload student-made videos where kids can demonstrate vocabulary terms by acting out scenes or coming up with unique ways for remembering words. This activity is a perfect way of incorporating technology with vocabulary development.
Teachers can create and share curriculum-related vocabulary lists with students or embed customized vocabulary widgets into their blogs and webpages for students to access. The site also offers the unique opportunity for teachers to upload student-made videos where kids can demonstrate vocabulary terms by acting out scenes or coming up with unique ways for remembering words. This activity is a perfect way of incorporating technology with vocabulary development.
Brainscape is appropriate for students at any age and can be accessed on a computer or iPad. It is the perfect tool for creating flashcards to study vocabulary terms for just about any subject. Create your own or find pre-made lists to study. Say goodbye to piles of messy handwritten note cards and say hello to Brainscape!
Teachers can create lists to share with students or have kids make their own flashcards. Students love studying independently on the iPad or quizzing a partner.
Teachers can create lists to share with students or have kids make their own flashcards. Students love studying independently on the iPad or quizzing a partner.
Check out the slide show to see more details on how you can use Brainscape in your classroom! |
more information:
Teacher Resources for Making Inferences, Using Context Clues - This site discusses the concepts of using context clues and making inferences.
Worldly Wise 3000 Online is an interactive online program for students in grades 2-12 that can be used to enhance vocabulary skills. This program includes engaging lessons, audio support, immediate feedback, and progress monitoring.
Worldly Wise Science and Social Studies is the only online vocabulary program of its kind for students in grades 4-8 that is designed specifically for students who struggle with the specialized vocabulary of social studies and science.
Supermarket is an iPhone app for parents to use with children age 2-7. The app provides parents with a variety of age appropriate authentic activities to improve vocabulary development as well as other essential skills while at the grocery store.
West Virginia Department of Education: Vocabulary Development: This site provides additional information about vocabulary development including, lesson ideas, graphic organizers, and research.
Worldly Wise 3000 Online is an interactive online program for students in grades 2-12 that can be used to enhance vocabulary skills. This program includes engaging lessons, audio support, immediate feedback, and progress monitoring.
Worldly Wise Science and Social Studies is the only online vocabulary program of its kind for students in grades 4-8 that is designed specifically for students who struggle with the specialized vocabulary of social studies and science.
Supermarket is an iPhone app for parents to use with children age 2-7. The app provides parents with a variety of age appropriate authentic activities to improve vocabulary development as well as other essential skills while at the grocery store.
West Virginia Department of Education: Vocabulary Development: This site provides additional information about vocabulary development including, lesson ideas, graphic organizers, and research.