Synthesis 6 –
Reading Instruction
At the end of this chapter, the authors
leave the reader with a series of questions which allow the teacher to confront
oneself with some pretty pointed points. I reviewed the questions and was
feeling a certain level of confidence, until the question asked if I taught
vocabulary Before, During, and After
the reading. I do consistently teach the vocabulary, but I do not utilize the
unfamiliar vocabulary in all three places. I teach the material and have felt
it is the student’s responsibility to return to the word list and study the
vocabulary outside of the classroom setting. Over the past weeks of school, I
am coming to the realization that most, if not all of my students do very
little preparation for school outside the walls of my classroom. With my Action Research Plan in progress, I am
realizing that perhaps vocabulary is the key to students being successful in
all aspects of their academic development.
It is my goal to develop or implement proven strategies which allow the
students to comprehend the new vocabulary. My goal is for the students to
infuse the words into their speaking , reading comprehension, and their
writing.
I have been guilty of using the
dictionary to enhance vocabulary. During the reading of this chapter, however,
I began to realize that knowing how to use a dictionary may not be top priority
if I am to achieve success in raising the vocabulary test scores among my
students. It is vital that students know how to use a dictionary; this is an
element of the 9th grade End of Course standards, but there are
other ways to improve and retain vocabulary. Collecting examples of multimedia,
concrete objects, photographs from magazines, newspapers, picture books,
charts, graphs, and any visual available, may be the beginning of successful
vocabulary retention in my classroom.
I will enhance vocabulary in my
classroom by utilizing concrete examples of vocabulary words, inventing games
such as hangman, crossword puzzles, word searches, graphic organizers, and
spelling contests complete with prizes – paper and pencils!
Vocabulary instruction is very hard for me, too. I go over vocabulary words with my 3rd grade students each week and expect my students to get the words from that instruction. I quiz them on the words, but I'm not sure they actually understand the meaning of the words. I've seen that my students are also not working very hard at home on their reading skills. I am going to try harder in my classroom with vocabulary and other reading skills. I want to make sure that I follow through with vocabulary instruction during the week. I like the idea of using crossword puzzles and hangman. It's important that I try to make the vocabulary and other reading instruction relevant to their lives.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that vocbulary is hard to incoporate while reading, especailly with the students we teach. I feel like if I get them to even understand the basic concepts of the story like plot, characterization and theme then I've accomplished something!! But I agree that vocabulary is a necessary component to work on and I shall strive to do a better job it with our next novel!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't you like all of this reflection we are doing? I am constantly asking if my actions help my classroom run efficiently and am I reaching all students in my classroom. I understand your struggles with getting tied to EOC standards and expectations. Being the "book hater" I was in school, I did not know a lot of vocabulary upon entering college. Students at our high school learn LINCs, and I have found this to be helpful for me in improving my vocabulary (yes I'm 30 but I love to learn). I think the implementation of the games and activities will create excitement about learning vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this blog as well! I am also focusing my action research on vocabulary too. I agree that that's a question to certainly think about: teaching vocab. effectively BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER. Just like you, I'm also thinking of way to effectively implement vocab. during lessons in a way that will stick with them and that they can use through writing and everyday speech. I think the strategies you listed will definitely be worth trying!
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