Teaching kids vocabulary proficiently

The development and expansion of one’s vocabulary is an ongoing process that occurs over an individual’s whole life; it is an open-ended talent. While it is true that some vocabulary is picked up naturally via participation in day-to-day activities. It is critical that more difficult and specialist languages be taught explicitly. We can’t depend on luck, osmosis, or exposure to teaching pupils the more than 50,000 words they need to be successful in school and in life after graduation.

In addition, in this age of increasing reliance on technology, vocabulary is assuming an increasingly significant role. It’s possible that autocorrect will catch misspelled words. However, you can’t rely on it to steer you toward the term. It is that most accurately conveys the message you want to convey. In order to teach vocabulary, it’s important to focus on context and repetition. Or what students need to know about the words they’re using and how often those terms are used.

Stages for teaching vocabulary

Over the preceding twenty years in the context of English Language, it has been common knowledge that language may be broken down into three primary categories. It is vital for instructors to be cognizant of these levels. It is in order to aid them in picking the appropriate terms to teach explicitly in their classrooms. They are beginning on the first day of school and continuing through the last day.

Stage 1 of vocabulary

Stage 1 of vocabulary Because there are about 8000-word families covered in stage 1, the majority of pupils do not typically need formal instruction for these terms. However, in order to make the most of this level of vocabulary, additional instruction is essential, especially for words that may be interpreted in more than one way, as well as homophones.

Stage 2 of vocabulary

Words in Stage 2 are those that are required to comprehend and articulate more difficult concepts in an academic setting. These terms are applicable to a wide variety of discussions and fields of study, and successful use of them may demonstrate an advanced comprehension of academic language.

vocabulary

Stage 3 

Terms in this stage aren’t necessary very often. They are typically for certain themes or disciplines, particularly in the fields of mathematics and physics. Stage 3 Tier 3 words include: Some of these terms may also exist as Tier 1 or 2 words. However, they serve a distinct function and are best in the context of Tier 2 words. For example, the words “substitute,” “similarity,” and “expression” are all popular in mathematics. These terms need to be available in depth within the framework of a specific educational module, along with an explanation of their meaning and function.

Conclusion

In order to prepare children not just for academic communication but also for communication in daily life, vocabulary size has to expand at a quick speed while they are in school. Students should know between 36,000 and 140,000 words by the time they reach the age of 17 years old.

About the Author

Lisa Lee

Lisa Lee

I am a Parsons School of Design graduate with a certified teacher's license. At Gooroo, my passion is to educate students through an artist's approach, which requires critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. During the elementary years, I think that students broaden their perspective and expression through art, and this skill can be applied to any other fields of study later on. I believe that a true educator can be the key to unlocking every child's potential. Gooroo is a tutoring membership that matches students to tutors perfect for them based on their unique learning needs. Gooroo offers Math, English, SAT, Coding, Spanish tutoring, and more.