Vocabulary Prescription

Remedy for Vocabulary Instruction

Symptom:Loss of memory when

copying words and

definitions from a

dictionary

Diagnosis:

Non-

Contextualized

Vocabulary

Deficiency!

Causes:• Random word lists

• No direct vocabulary

instruction

• Copying complicated

incomprehensible definitions

from dictionaries

Prescription

and

Wellness Plan

READ ALOUDSDOSAGE: 5 MG DAILY

Prescription

Wellness Plan1. Meaningful literature

2. Power words 3. Eight step exercise plan

4. Daily extension vitamin

Step 1• Choose a meaningful short text.

• You will do a read aloud with this text.

• You will focus on this text for a week.

• You will re-read this text throughout

the week.

Step 2• Read the text before you give it to the

students.

• Make a list of all the words you think

would be good for your vocabulary list.

• Narrow the list down to 3-5 POWER

words based on students’ needs.

Step 3

Eight-Step

Exercise Plan

Exercise Step 1

• Introduce your vocabulary words on the first day.

• Read the sentences in which the words are found – not the whole book.

Example:Teacher reads:

“If something is unfair, we can protest, or speak out against it.

Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver

National Geographic

Exercise Step 2

• Show students an illustration with the word.

• Make the students say the word twice.

Example:Protest

Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver

National Geographic

Exercise Step 3

• Show students the word in

their native language.

• Make the students say the

word in both languages.

Example:Protest - Protestar

Exercise Step 4

• Give students a short, easy definition of the word.

• Make the students repeat the word and definition.

Example:Protest – to speak against something you do not like

Literature: Symbols of Freedom by: Jeanne and Bradley Weaver

National Geographic

Exercise Step 5

• Give students examples of the word.

• Use pictures.

Example:

If our school had uniforms,students might protest to change

the dress code.

Exercise Step 6• Let students interact

with the word.

Example:

Teacher says: When I show you a

picture, stand up if it is an example

of protest.

Sit down if it is not an example.

Exercise Step 6• Let students interact

with the word.

Example:

Teacher says: When I show you a

picture, stand up if it is an example of

protest.

Sit down if it is not an example.

Exercise Step 7

Ask Questions.Example:

Teacher says:

• Boys and girls have you ever

seen a protest?

• What is something at school that

you would like to protest

against?

• Do you think protests are good

or bad and why?

Exercise Step 8

Review the word.

Example:

Teacher says: Boys and girls what

word means to speak against

something that you do not like?

All of the students would say the vocabulary word again: PROTEST

Step 4:Daily Vitamins

Reinforce vocabulary through

extension activities

Word Walls• Make a word

wall with the new vocabulary words.

• Put the word, definition, and picture on the wall.

Scavenger Hunt

• Students look for the vocabulary word in other texts that they read.

• Students put stickers on the word posted on the word wall when they find the word in other texts.

Musical Chairs• Write definitions on

cards.• Place the cards in a

circle around the room.• Students walk

around the circle as music plays.• When the music

stops, students stop and pick up a card.• Students read the

cards and give the correct word.

Bedazzled Words

• Students write the words in big letters on paper.

• Students make the word look like its meaning.

• For example: the word icy might have icicles hanging off it

Carousel Match• Put the definition, a

picture, or an example of the word on a card.

• Tape the cards around the room on the walls.

• Give each student a card with a vocabulary word.

• Students search the wall for the correct match to their word.

• The students stand beside the card.

• Go around the room and have each student read his word and the definition or example.

Drug Facts and WarningsDo:

• Follow the exercise plan for each word.

• Take a daily extension vitamin each day.

• Select text and vocabulary appropriate for ELLs.

• Use content related text for read alouds.

Don’t:• Make ELLs copy

definitions from dictionaries!

• Forget to target academic terms.

• Skip steps!

• Forget to be creative and add to this prescription.