Vocabulary Development is a crucial aspect of a student’s academic journey, especially in middle and high school. A robust vocabulary not only enhances students’ communication skills but also serves as a gateway to deeper understanding and critical thinking. Vocabulary Development is the foundation upon which students build their understanding of various subjects, enabling them to express themselves articulately and engage with complex concepts. In content classrooms, where subjects like science, social studies, and mathematics demand specialized terminology, Vocabulary Development becomes even more critical.
I recently listened to the Knowledge Matters podcast, hosted by Natalie Wexler. In episodes 2 and 4, she references reading researcher Marilyn Adams when she said “knowledge is like mental Velcro: it sticks best to other related knowledge” (Wexler, 2023). Wasik and Iannone-Campbell demonstrated how this applies specifically to vocabulary – “children are more likely to learn unfamiliar words if they are embedded in the context of more familiar words, making the unfamiliar word more salient to them” (Wasik & Iannone-Campbell, 2012). In What an Elementary Curriculum Should Do, Wexler further demonstrates the connection – “If you understand the word oar, for example, you’re probably also familiar with the concepts of rowboats and paddling.” (Wexler, 2020). We need to ensure that students have context (or Velcro) for new vocabulary words to stick to. As educators, our role is pivotal in fostering a rich vocabulary in all students. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of Vocabulary Development, its connection to content learning, and explore effective strategies for teachers to implement in their classrooms.
Integrated Learning: One effective strategy for vocabulary development is integrating language skills with content learning. Encourage students to connect new words with the concepts they are studying (so there are two sides to the Velcro!). For example, in a social studies class, have students create concept maps that link historical events with relevant vocabulary terms. This not only reinforces their understanding but also enhances retention.
Interactive Word Walls: Interactive Word Walls are visual aids that display key vocabulary words prominently in the classroom. Create a dedicated space on the wall or on a trifold board and update it regularly with new terms throughout the unit of study. Encourage students to contribute by adding words they encounter in their readings or discussions. For example, have students select a word from the Word Wall and then engage in a Think-Ink-Pair-Share responding to the following prompt: “How does this word relate to your understanding of _____?” Creating and interacting with the Word Wall not only serves as a constant visual reminder but also fosters a sense of ownership over their learning.
Contextual Learning: Teach vocabulary in context to help students grasp the nuanced meanings of words. Provide sentences or short passages where the target words are used, and discuss how the context influences their interpretation. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also equips students with the skills to infer meanings in unfamiliar contexts.
Active Reading Strategies: Equip students with active reading strategies such as Text Coding with Margin Notes or a Double Entry Organizer that promote vocabulary development. Encourage them to underline or highlight unfamiliar words while reading and use context clues to decipher meanings. Following up with discussions about these words fosters a collaborative learning environment where students can share their discoveries.
Word Journals: Introduce word journals as a personal vocabulary-building tool. In these journals, students can record new words, their definitions, and sentences that showcase their usage. Periodically review and discuss these journals to reinforce the importance of continuous vocabulary development. Encourage students to reference (and revise as needed) their journals during Writing to Learn and Academic Dialogue activities to deepen their vocabulary understanding as it relates to the current unit of study.
Incorporate Technology: Leverage technology to make vocabulary development engaging. Interactive online tools, educational games, and multimedia resources can provide an immersive learning experience. Platforms like Quizlet, Kahoot!, and Desmos allow students to quiz themselves and each other, turning vocabulary building into a fun and competitive activity.
In middle and high school content classrooms, Vocabulary Development is not just about memorizing words; it’s about building a bridge to understanding the world around us. As teachers, our commitment to nurturing students’ minds extends beyond the curriculum. By implementing these strategies, we can empower our students to become adept communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners. Embrace the journey of Vocabulary Development, and watch as your students unlock the doors to a broader, more profound comprehension of the subjects they study.
References:
Wasik, B. A., & Iannone‐Campbell, C. (2012). Developing vocabulary through purposeful, strategic conversations. The Reading Teacher, 66(4), 321-332.
Wexler, N. (2020). Building Knowledge. AMERICAN EDUCATOR, 19.
Wexler, N. (Host). (2023, July 12). Knowledge Matters Campaign. [Audio podcast episode]. In Knowledge Matters. https://knowledgematterscampaign.org/post/podcast-s1-ep4/.