Vocabulary Instruction in 6 Easy Steps

This past summer, I read and reviewed a few professional development books (posts can be found here). As a teacher and as a reader, I am always looking for things that are practical. For example, if I am reading a book, I am constantly thinking about ‘how could that resource help me become a better teacher?’ or ‘how can I take that into my classroom immediately?’

When I read the book Word Nerds by Overturf, Montgomery and Holmes, I was constantly taking notes and planning my ‘execution plan’ for my new class. The great thing about this book is that is pretty straightforward and gives you a clear guide on how you can proceed. 

Therefore, I took what I read, together with what I already knew about vocabulary instruction and took off.

After using many of the strategies presented on the book, I am pleased to say that IT WORKS. Vocabulary instruction is something that I truly love, and Word Nerds have made that part of my teaching even better. Did I mention how excited my students get when it is time to reveal the new sentences/words for the cycle? It is awesome. So, here is how I proceed:

1) I select 6 (and ONLY 6 words to study for a period or cycle of 2 weeks/10 days). The words come from content areas, math, and our read aloud. Since I only get to choose 6, I make them count

2) After the 6 words are selected, I define the words using kid-friendly language (nothing too complicated), and write sentences for the words (these sentences will be used to introduce the words) using a simple word document

3) The sentences are written down using sentence strips BUT the vocabulary words are left out. I believe this is the MOST powerful strategy I have used. Students get super excited trying to figure out the word that should ‘go’ there. Here my students activate their word schema, use context clues, share with their classmates…you name it. It is a step we all love!

4) Once the sentences have been introduced, it is time to introduce the actual words. Here, children get to predict what the words could mean. We end up trying to plug in the words into the correct sentences (hello ‘process of elimination practice’)

5) I define the words one by one (if my students have not already inferred the meaning…which happens OFTEN with all the talking, discussion and enthusiasm that is happening)

6) Using vocabulary graphic organizers, my students get to copy the definitions of the words, add illustrations, and write the sentences that accompany each one of the words

This all happens in ONE day. It may seem time consuming, but it is worth EVERY second. With time and practice you will notice that students get faster, and understand the process better. I am sure that towards the end of the year, the time spent introducing words will be even shorter.

Here is a link to my TpT store. You can access my Vocabulary Graphic Organizers (16 total).

However, our vocabulary practice does not stop here. The following day we move onto finding synonyms, the day after day is antonyms, and on the days that follow we get to practice sentence writing, and play tons of games.

When it comes to vocabulary instruction, I have tried many things (including GLAD strategies which do work as well), but there is something about student engagement here that truly makes a big difference.

How do you approach vocabulary instruction? I would love to know.