Wrapping Up Vocabulary

Wrapping up our week on vocabulary. Over the next week I'll be focusing on a different general topic. I haven't chosen it yet, so if you have suggestions, leave a comment.

Today I just wanted to make a few statements that should be considered when talking about vocabulary:

• Research has shown that words should be used at least 10 times before they are really learned.
• Words that are used in a variety of settings will help students gain the ability to use the words we are teaching.
• Vocabulary words should be looked at both in how to decode them, their word parts, and a relevant meaning.
• Examples and Non-examples are important when helping students classify and put new words into existing categories.

There are plenty more things to think about when addressing vocabulary instruction. For more strategies and research, I suggest consulting the resources I have cited in this week's blogs.