Explicit Vocabulary Instruction

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Vocabulary instruction emphasizes building vocabulary word knowledge, comprehension and word-learning strategies related to the upcoming presidential election.

OBJECTIVE

Students will use real world connections to define and understand vocabulary relating to the upcoming election.

Students will:

1. Learn and practice vocabulary.
2. Generate examples to reinforce meaning.
3. Practice sharing orally

MATERIALS

• Copies of Election Vocabulary List (PDF)
• Paper and pencil
• Copies of Election Crossword Puzzle (PDF)
  
• Collage of election newspaper clippings

SET UP AND PREPARE

• Election Vocabulary List for each student
• Election Crossword Puzzle for each student
• Set up proxima projector or overhead

DIRECTIONS

• Ask students if they have heard anything about the upcoming presidential election. Ask for volunteers to share what they have heard. Share with them the collage you made from election newspaper clippings.
• Tell students they will learn eight election vocabulary words.
• Give each student a copy of the vocabulary page.
• Read the eight words to the students, one at a time. Have students repeat the word with you. Clap the syllables in each word.
• Have students rate how well they know each word: 1) they don't know it at all; 2) they've heard of it; and 3) they know it and can use it in a sentence
• Introduce each word using the following steps:

1. Pronounce-say the word and ask students to repeat it. Give the part of speech.
2. Explain meaning-discuss the meaning provided. Then restate the meaning, asking students to complete it with the Target Word. For example: The place where people vote is called the _________. (polls)
3. Provide examples-for each word, model an example. Have partners suggest an additional example using a complete sentence. (Make a note of those having trouble so you can work with them in a small group)
4. Deepen understanding-ask questions that relate each word to students' lives.
5. Review-have students go to two other students and share some of their answers.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS

Walk around room and allow students to share their work with you so you can make sure they have grasped the new vocabulary. Encourage them to read over this assignment before the next class period.

LESSON EXTENSION

Write fill in the blank sentences on the board.

ASSESS STUDENTS

Observe students as they work in pairs to see if they are having difficulty reading the text. As you walk around, make a note of the students that are having problems so you can form a small group to work on comprehension and fluency. Using a class list, with an attached rubric, make a note of who has met or exceeded standards, and who needs more assistance. Begin to notate which of the students are having similar problems, and begin to make a list for those who could work together on those problems. At the end of this exercise, have a clear idea of whether the lesson needs to be re-taught, or whether you can simply re-group and re-teach at smaller levels of groupings. Formative assessment helps make explicit what has been taught well, what needs re-teaching, and most importantly, which of the students have learned.

HOME CONNECTION

Students could generate an informal survey questionnaire (list of questions) to ask their parents or guardians what they think of the presidential campaigns and what issues are most important to them. Student could compare information collected.

EVALUATE THE LESSON

1. Did your students work well together?
2. Is there a need to form a small group for re-teaching?

As our middle school 2008-09 Teacher Advisor, Sandra Blair uses the READ 180 program to help her 7^th and 8^th grade struggling readers and expects all students to succeed.

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