I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions; however, I choose my word for the year each January. It is a way of reflecting on the previous year and setting intentions for the year to come. This year, my word is 'confidence.' New beginnings, new websites, new opportunities = confidence. What's your word?
Words have power…which brings me to the importance of vocabulary instruction. We can spend much time teaching decoding and strategic reading, but we must also teach vocabulary development.
I don't know the exact definition of the word' confidence,' but I do have conceptual knowledge of it. I know other words that are sometimes connected to the word, like self-assured and empowerment. I can recognize confidence when I see it in others and know the feeling of having confidence. I know it is a positive character trait. Ultimately, I know enough about the word to make it my 2024 word.
Here are some ideas to teach students a conceptual understanding of words.
· Introduce new words to students in meaningful contexts and through repeated exposures.
Read-alouds are a fabulous way to teach words in contexts. Follow up with discussions using the new words in similar and varied contexts and continue to use the word in the classroom. When we learn a word, we don't learn it all at once. Every time we read, write, or hear a word, we add contextual knowledge.
· Don't be afraid of using sophisticated language.
Instead of always saying, "Does anyone have any questions?" you can substitute the word questions for inquiries, wonderings, or queries.
Vocabulary is also a component of background knowledge. As teachers think about what vocabulary words are essential to teach, we can consider which ones are important to understand the concept we are exploring with students. Also, we can teach vocabulary words that are connected to further develop concept knowledge. Have you ever had the experience of hearing a new word and then you keep hearing it over and over in different contexts?
· Connect to content learning
Interactive read-alouds are an engaging way to invite students to learn about new science and social studies concepts. Reading aloud expands vocabulary knowledge while placing new words in context so students better understand those words. A few critical questions throughout a book allow students to consider their thinking around new knowledge and inspire them to want to learn more. You want to teach words very explicitly, which will be the most helpful for understanding the text they will be reading.
· Teach the Latin root word
Take the word apart, examine what the parts mean, and then put it back together to understand what the whole word means. For example, the Latin root of the word 'confidence' is fid, which means trust. Confidence can be understood by trusting oneself or one's abilities.
Some book recommendations:
