Literacy Practices & Programs
A closer look at effective literacy programs and practices.
Explicit Vocabulary Instruction (2 types)
Direct Instruction in Word Meaning
- Using dictionaries
- Memorizing definitions
- Creating semantic maps to show relationships
Instruction in Strategies to Promote Independent Vocabulary Acquisition Skills
- Analyze semantic and syntactic clues
- Use context clues
- Utilize prior knowledge to derive word meanings
Where?
Vocabulary Instruction NEEDS to Take Place in ALL Content Areas!
How?
- Dedicate time to explicit vocabulary instruction (connected to learning!).
- Provide repeated exposure to new words in multiple contexts.
- Give opportunities to use vocabulary in many ways- discussion, writing, and extended reading.
- Provide students with strategies to make them independent vocabulary learners.
- Support teachers in learning the types of words to select and teach.