Learning vocabulary

Vocabulary can be designated into the following three tiers:

Students at CMIS possess a strong level of Tier 1 vocabulary in that they can communicate with their peers and teachers easily in English. Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocaublary depends on multiple factors of the child's background. During our instruction, we focus on building Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary as we learn reading and writing strategies. For example, learning the terms "perspective" and "inference" in a Grade Two reading unit about inferring provides a applicable background to the meaning of these academic words. Sets of academic vocaublary are constantly revisited and applied throughout the unit, and students are encouraged to use these terms as they talk about their reading.

Steps of learning vocabulary

Robert J. Marzano describes learning vocabulary as a step - by - step process in the classroom:

1.) Provide a description, explanation, or example of a new term

2.) Ask students to restate the description, explanation, or example in their own words.

(better yet, with a partner or by use of hand gestures / TPR)

3.) Ask a student to construct a picture, pictograph, or symbolic representation of the term.

4.) Engage students periodically in activities that help them add to their knowledge of the terms in their vocabulary notebooks.

(or another resource)

5.) Periodically ask the students to discuss the terms with one another.

6.) Involve students periodically in games that enable them to play with terms.