Introduction
The purpose of this WebQuest is to introduce activities for teachers to use in the classroom to build students’ academic vocabulary.
Task
The task we have before us is an important one!
“The Common Core State Standards place an importance on academic vocabulary. In addition to developing an advanced vocabulary, the CCSS calls for increasing the amount of nonfiction and informational text in classrooms. We know that vocabulary knowledge influences fluency, comprehension, and student achievement. And, vocabulary plays an even more important role in understanding nonfiction and informational text. It has been estimated that 80% of comprehension in nonfiction is dependent upon understanding the vocabulary.”
Kimberly Tyson, “No Tears for Tiers: Common Core Tiered Vocabulary Made Simple”
(http://www.learningunlimitedllc.com/2013/05/tiered-vocabulary/)
Process
The options we have to consider are immense!
Beck's Text Talk
Text Talk provides teachers with a resource to enhance students’ ability to construct meaning using read alouds.
Text Talk gets students to talk about the text, rather than the illustrations,
and requires students’ responses to be based on the actual text as opposed to their background knowledge.
For more about the benefits of Beck’s Text Talk,
visit http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/texttalk/pdfs/Capturing_the_Benefits.pdf.
For sample lessons using Beck’s Text Talk,
visit http://utah.ptfs.com/awweb/awarchive?type=file&item=28840.
Marzano's 6 Step Vocabulary Process
Marzano outlines six simple steps for teaching vocabulary.
The first three steps are used to introduce vocabulary
and the last three are used to reinforce vocabulary.
For more information on Marzano's 6 Step Vocabulary Process,
visit http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept09/vol67/nu….
For helpful hints on implementing this process in the classroom,
visit http://www.ncresa.org/docs/PLC_Secondary/Six_Step_Process.pdf.
Word Webs
Word Webs are graphic organizers created by students to help them learn vocabulary.
Word Webs can be completed as a whole class, small group, or individual activity.
Word Webs show how words are related to one another.
For more ideas on how to use Word Webs,
visit http://www.next.cc/journey/tools/word-webs.
For an in-depth lesson using Word Webs,
visit http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/using-wo….
Evaluation
But, in the end, we must consider the needs of our students
when selecting activities to build academic vocabulary.
Conclusion
The time to act is now...
...as desperate times call for desperate measures!