Hi, I teach fifth grade and do all sorts of stuff with vocabulary. I focus on using context clues during my guided reading group. That is very authentic because the teacher is right there, the children all have the same book and there are always new words in our guided reading books. We use the Benchmark non fiction books mostly for guided reading, but also articles and even some "reading passages" from test prep materials. In other words, I use whatever is available and reiterate the importance of vocabulary in reading, writing, speaking and listening. I think this is more important than vocabulary study lists, although I do those too, in the content areas. This is also incorporated into our "fix it up" strategies which the children learn to focus on when something doesn't make sense or there is something new that they read. I am wary of statements like "hit and miss" because that implies that it is too hard and too sporadic and needs a published workbook for vocab instruction to happen. What is needed is vigilance, explicit planning for vocab instruction throughout the day, and the ability to recognize and take advantage of the teachable moments that happen all the time.
Maureen "hide and seek" - not using context clues, or experience clues. How do we raise the children's awareness ofattending to vocabulary? We do use Isabel Beck's strategies Bringing Words to Life (which Ilove) . We do read aloud'sfrom quality literature and cull Tier 2 vocabulary for discussion andfocus. But it's not enough, and some folks feel it's too "hit andmiss." I hesitate to consider Wordly Wise type vocabulary lists, andlean more towards perhaps enticing the students with the idea of Greekor Latin morphology. As you can see, I could really use your thoughts. We are a K-5 school, very small ELL population, about 600 students. Suggestions, please! Thanks so much. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
