Standard 4: Vocabulary Students will expand their grade-level vocabularies to speak, read, and write effectively.

2.4.R.5 ​Students will acquire new grade-level vocabulary, relate new words to prior knowledge, and apply vocabulary in new situations.

Student Actions

Teacher Actions

• Students learn grade-level vocabulary through text and class discussions.

• Students connect new vocabulary words to prior knowledge.

• Students use acquired vocabulary in new situations. 

• Teachers introduce students to new vocabulary. See Vocabulary Tiers for guidance on choosing words.

• Teachers pronounce the word and have students repeat the word several times. 

• Teachers provide a student-friendly definition, and explore various aspects of the word including the number of letters, phonemes (sounds), parts of speech, and how the word is used in speech. 

• Teachers use the word several times in examples and non-examples. 

• Teachers give opportunities for students to practice using vocabulary words in discussions or  conversations.

• Teachers model making connections with prior knowledge to make vocabulary more meaningful to students.

• Teachers give opportunities for students to connect their experiences to vocabulary through whole-group, small-group, and partner discussions.

• Teachers model using vocabulary words in other situations that differ slightly from the situation in which they were learned.

• Teachers provide opportunities for students to hear or read words in a new context and apply their knowledge of meaning to make sense of the text.

• Teachers will monitor and provide opportunities for students to receive feedback as students connect prior knowledge to new vocabulary.

Recommendations

Key Terms & Related Objectives

When students only use basic vocabulary and not new vocabulary, teachers can…

• use higher-level vocabulary in daily routines. For example, students sit on the “perimeter” of the carpet, “distribute” materials, or check the weather as the class “meteorologist”.

• read a variety of texts aloud to expose students to new vocabulary.

When students struggle with new vocabulary, teachers can…

• expose them to multiple texts that use those words. 

• model using the words in daily conversations.

When students struggle to relate prior knowledge to new vocabulary, teachers can…

• use vocabulary graphic organizers (e.g., word webs, word maps, 4-square, etc.).

• model the thought process in connecting new vocabulary with prior knowledge. 

• 2.1.S.2: Collaborative discussions

• 2.4.W.1: Use vocabulary to communicate