STWEL: Vocabulary Programs

About the Strategy

"The effective size for vocabulary programs according to Hattie is 0.63. One of the oldest findings in educational research is the strong relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. Word knowledge is crucial to reading comprehension and determines how well students will be able to comprehend the texts they read" (Source).


This includes programs to build the vocabulary, subject matter vocabulary, and make connections to other words.

Here are some types of activities that fit into Vocabulary Programs:

  • Morphology instruction - roots/affixes, Inside-Out Routine

  • Semantic maps/Freyer Models

  • Word and concept sorts - closed, open

  • Wide reading

  • Concept Sorts

Matching Digital Tools to Strategy

Some technologies that lend themselves to Vocabulary Programs:

Teachers can use Google Slides and the Frayer Model to engage students in vocabulary review beyond the classroom. I created a Google Slide deck with a slide for each of the vocabulary words in the text. I used the Frayer Model to provide structure to the review activity.

-Catlin Tucker, Facilitate a Deep Dive into Vocabulary with Google Slides and The Frayer Model

The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer for building student vocabulary. This technique requires students to:

  • Define target vocabulary

  • Apply their knowledge by generating examples and non-examples

  • Give characteristics, and/or

  • Draw a picture to illustrate the meaning of the word.

(Source)

Follow these steps when introducing the Frayer Model:

  1. The teacher explains a new word, going beyond reciting its definition (tap into prior knowledge of students, use imagery).

  2. Students restate or explain the new word in their own words (verbally and/or in writing).

  3. Ask students to create a non-linguistic representation of the word (a picture, or symbolic representation).

  4. Students engage in activities to deepen their knowledge of the new word (compare words, classify terms, write their own analogies and metaphors).

  5. Students discuss the new word (pair-share, elbow partners).

  6. Students periodically play games to review new vocabulary (Pyramid, Jeopardy, Telephone).

For an easy, ready to go activity that emphasizes some of Marzano's steps, see the Frayer Model below.

Semantic Maps

Semantic maps are great tools for students to design and figure out the relationships between words.


“Semantic mapping is a visual strategy for vocabulary expansion and extension of knowledge by displaying in categories words related to one another" (Kholi and Sharifafar, 2013). These almost graphic organizers are not pre-made, but made by the students to help "web" out their ideas.

[Semantic maps] build on students’ background knowledge or schema. While drawing on prior knowledge, it recognizes important components and shows the relationships among them" (Kholi and Sharifafar, 2013) as cited in Vocabulary and Fluency Classroom Strategies

yED Graph Editor : yEd can be installed on your computer (Windows, Mac, GNU/Linux) and works well. Or, try it in your web browser

You can create graphic organizers using its simple layout. It also scales up to meet the needs of grades 9-12 and adult learners. I made the semantic map shown right with yED Graph Editor; click the map to see it on the web. Watch a video overview

Solutions such as Microsoft Immersive Reader make picture dictionaries and computer-assisted read-aloud ubiquitous in popular apps like Microsoft OneNote, Flipgrid, Wakelet, and the Microsoft 365 suite. There are many technologies to assist students in creation of semantic maps. Some tools include:

  • Bubbl.us: This is a web-based browser tool for creating concept or semantic maps. One of its features includes the ability to collaborate with others.

  • Draw.io: Looking for an easy to use, browser-based diagramming or graphic organizer creator? Look no further than Draw.io. It works in your browser, but allows you to save to whatever cloud storage system you prefer, such as Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive. Watch a video overview


Interactive Word Walls

“The Word Wall teaching strategy creates a place in the classroom where students display the meanings of important ideas using words and pictures.

As students encounter new vocabulary in a text or video, creating a word wall offers one way to help them comprehend and interpret ideas in the text.” (Source)

Look at a word wall. Vocabulary words focused on a topic? Connect your words to an online resource using a QR code. This will make it interactive.

How do you make the connection on a paper word wall? Use a QR code to do this.

Wide Reading

This involves providing access to a wide variety of reading materials at different levels of difficulty.

Concept Sorts

Looking for a quick way to introduce new topics or vocabulary? Wish you had a pre-reading assessment activity to gauge students’ prior knowledge? Or, you need a reading post-assessment activity? Then you’re going to love this approach. The approach? Concept sorts.

You will see how you can combine concept sorts with digital tools. Before we jump into concept sorts, let’s take a step back and connect this to high-effect size instructional strategies research. Ready? Let’s get started.

Reflection

Vocabulary Programs has several approaches in it. Which have you used before? Which would you like to try to enhance long-term information retention in your classroom?