Monday, April 28, 2014

Academic Vocabulary Mini Tutorial #1

Academic Vocabulary 

My definition of academic vocabulary is as follows, the words that students MUST KNOW BY HEART to be able to understand what is being taught to them.  Academic vocabulary words can be used across the content areas.  

Academic vocabulary definition

A few good examples of academic vocabulary words:

  • infer
  • determine
  • summarize
  • compare
  • main idea
  • contrast
  • parallel
  • represent

Students use the academic vocabulary word compare in the areas of reading, math, science, social studies, language arts and writing. Students need to have a good understanding of the word compare to be able to comprehend what is being taught in each of these subject areas. 

When teaching academic vocabulary words, consider the following:

  • Don't teach too many words at one time. 3 to 5 words per week is usually appropriate.
  • Provide your students with direct instruction over the academic vocabulary terms.
  • Teach the word multiple times in multiple ways.  Reviewing the word on one occasion will not be enough!

What academic vocabulary strategies or activities do you use with your students?

~jen
Encouraging students to love learning and thinking!

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