So one of my personal goals for second semester is to teach vocabulary in new ways. Through SIOP training, I have been inspired by some of the techniques that were presented. I always knew that the way vocabulary is taught has a lot to do with how much they retain the information. It is something, I will admit, I've always struggled with. It is not something I learned how to do in college, nor is it something someone should have taught me. It is something that I figure out what works better through trial and error; and what works for one group of students might not work for others. I realize this is really important, especially for ELL, and ESL students. These techniques also benefit all students.
Some of the techniques that I really like (and it's fun for students):
Vocabulary hunt - match the word to the definition, partner, etc.
Define in own words
4 square cards (word, sketch, definition)
I am committing to starting a WORD WALL. My question for you: Do you have a word wall? And what are some fun things you have done to teach vocabulary (key word: fun.... no typical note taking, etc.)
I did a word wall last year- and seperated it out by grade level. I didn't put it up this year though because it seemed to get really crowded and even though I referred to it they didn't really seem to benefit from it much.
ReplyDeleteThis year I decided that I was going to put the words with their project examples instead. It seems to work much better. However, then I only have up the words we are working with for that project.
With older kids I have done a few different things with vocabulary:
Word Searches- Crosswords
Working as a group or with partners and splitting up the vocab- then teaching eachother the definition.
Definition- and pairing it with a sketch that will help them remember. We did this for the elements and principles and they really seemed to actually grasp it. We are doing it with elementary now too. :)
Not much but I hope it helps a little bit!