Vocab please!

Vocabulary comprehension is essential for fluency in reading. Vocabulary instruction can use multiple activities in the classroom (Blachowicz and Fisher, 2014). Vocabulary instruction occurs in all classrooms and all teachers may be using the same methods to teach vocabulary. At times, you may use graphic organizers like the frayer model, but may have to move away from that model because it is difficult to teach multiple vocabulary words in one day using this method. In order to teach multiple vocabulary words in one day, different methods must be implemented – a t-table chart, a three-column chart, a bubble map, et cera. The students must get taught how to brainstorm synonyms for a word said (Blachowicz and Fisher, 2014). Teachers use synonyms when they provide direct instruction to their students – it’s a method of scaffolding for students to access the content. Students have the background knowledge to understand any word they come across, they just need the strategies to be able to do so.

When students read more, they are exposed to more words and have an easier time comprehending unfamiliar words they come across. Children benefit when they are read with in ways that require them to respond and be actively engaged (Blachowicz and Fisher, 2014). They want to read along with the teacher, as the teacher is showing children the correct way to read a book and the correct way to analyze words they may not know – through think alouds. The teacher is modeling what good readers do, and the students will eventually mimic the teachers’ strategy when they read individually.

Daily affirmation reinforces the desired behaviors or results a teacher is looking for. Teachers most give students affirmation when they are doing well – and in this context, doing well in vocabulary comprehension. Positive affirmation, of ones self and of others, provides the needed support from someone – you can’t do it alone – and students love it when teachers genuinely mean that they believe in their learning, progress, and success.