Let’s get started!
I couldn’t help but throw these in this week! Ya’ll that follow me know I can’t pass up a funny meme! ๐
I am quite sure that if you’re still reading…you’re interested in finding out more…so…let’s get to our content for the day! ๐
The idea behind this chapter is that we’re introducing our primary or intermediate learners to vocabulary in an explicit and intentional way. The chapter gives great ideas for both!
In order to get this started off right, you’ll need a few things…
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Some good quality markers…I like Sharpie! ๐ |
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Some blank cards to write vocabulary words on. |
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Sentence strips |
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A pocket chart that can hold your sentence strips |
There are three parts to the introduction–for primary learners.
1.) Word Prediction
2.) Trying Out the Words
3.) Vocabulary Journals
The instructional introduction plan for intermediate is slighnly different.
1.) Sentence Prediction
2.) Word Prediction
3.) Trying out the words
4.) Vocabulary Journals
Since I teach primary, I’m going to focus on what was shared for the primary learners specifically. One of the things that I realized while reading, is that, teaching vocabulary explicitly will require more time. In order for the students to really learn the words and apply them to their own oral vocabulary in the proper context…it will take more time on the front end. Time is something that I feel like is the thing I have the LEAST of…and when more of it is required…I instantly become anxious. One of the ways that I think I may be able to offset this amount of time this approach may take in a primary classroom is to plan in units. In my county, we have a basal for EVERYTHING. When I started blogging…I didn’t realize how many of the teachers I really admired were not hampered by a basal series like I am. In many other places across the country, teachers are creating their own curriculum. As much as that is a daunting task, it’s almost MORE difficult to try to do things outside of a basal series…while still keeping the fidelity of the expectations of the series. So, what is balance going to look like for me? Well, I’m going to try to align the science and social studies content to the reading series stories. Then, where the science and social studies does not naturally flow, I’ll suppliment the reading story of the week, with a reading story that goes with the science and social studies. Wish me luck! ๐
During the word prediction section, I learned all about howthe authors introduced each word in context using sentence strips! ๐ Most of my career has been in intermediate, and cloze form is something that I would have definitely done there, but…I hadn’t thought of the effectiveness of that approach with emergent readers. I don’t want my firsties overwhelmed…so, going slow and being repetitive will help this a lot, I think. ๐ Another thing that I really liked was the implementation of a vocabulary journal for primary learners. I’ve never used a vocabulary journal myself, but, I’m plannning on implementing one this year with my firsties. Of course, a big part of it at the beginning may be drawing pictures, but…eventually they can transition to words when they are feeling more comfortable. The systematic approach to understanding what the words mean will leave such a great foundation for my students as they approach different texts. I’m looking forward to stretching my thinking in this area in the fall!
Thanks for coming along for the ride! ๐
