Vocabulary - Part Six

       Children in the primary grades are generally preliterate, they do not understand language in print as well as they understand oral language (Biemiller and Boote, 2006).  Effective vocabulary instruction creates rich knowledge of the meaning and uses of words, something that traditional dictionary definition approaches do not provide (Diamond and Gutlohn, 2006).

       Vocabulary instruction should be incorporated into reading instruction, within the context of reading narrative and informational text (National Reading Panel, 2005).

       A story can provide a strong context within which to begin the word meaning explanation.  Text talk has two main goals: 1) to enhance comprehension through scattered open questions and 2) to enhance vocabulary development.  In Text Talk, vocabulary is fully discussed after reading the story (Diamond and Gutlohn, 2006).

       Generally, the sequence for independently read text differs from the Text Talk read aloud method in that target words are introduced before students read the selection (Diamond and Gutlohn, 2006).

       To introduce words so that they take root in student’s vocabulary, keep in mind the following: 1) make word meanings explicit through student friendly explanations, 2) incorporate teacher created contexts as opposed to text created contexts and 3) get students actively engaged in discussing the word meanings right away (Beck et al., 2002).

       To develop student friendly explanations, follow two basic principles: 1) characterize the word and how it is typically used and 2) explain the meaning in everyday language, language that is accessible and meaningful to students (Beck et al., 2002).  Dictionary definitions are not an effective vehicle for learning new word meanings (Beck et al., 2002).

       Sometimes a word’s natural context, in text or literature, is not all the informative or helpful for originating word meanings (Beck et al., 2002).

     Provide short, playful, and lively opportunities for students to interact with words and process their meanings right away (Diamond and Gutlohn, 2006).