Word learning template

Vocabulary learning is a very important part of our literacy programme. A student needs approximately 12 instructional encounters to fully know a word (Stahl & Nagy, 2006; Beck et al., 2002).

We believe that vocabulary should be taught in context so that students learn the words and then read and use the new words as a natural and embedded activity. This can easily be incorporated into our whole-class reading instruction.
 

Here are some simple steps:

1. Identify 4 or 5 words in the text you have selected for the week (we recommend using the same text all week, so students have the opportunity to understand the text, practise fluency, and develop deeper comprehension).
    
2. Teach the words on Monday and display them. You can use our word wall template: https://www.theliteracyplace.com/resource/wonder-or-word-wall
    
3. Revisit the words each day before re-reading (or continuing to read) the text. This can be a quick game of Taboo or Charades, or students can share definitions and put words into sentences.
    

You can plan a follow-up vocabulary activity for students to complete based on the new words. This works well on a Monday when the words are first introduced.

The Frayer chart is an excellent activity to use.

Related resources - Books

The Oral Language Book
The Poetry Book

Related resources - On-demand workshops

An introduction to shared reading (Juniors)
An introduction to shared reading (Seniors)