Aha Moments #3

From RRCNA #14
"Literacy Coaching K-12 for Cohesion
Enrique Puig
Nancy Chartier
Chad Harnish
Betty Jahnke

"Going back to definitions is an important operation of the mind. We should know that the power of a word does not reside in its sound, but in the ideas of which the word reminds us and, ultimately, in the facts on which the ideas are based."  --G. Polya (1945)

The power of a word does not reside in its sound, but in its meaning. Without meaning, words cannot convey thought. Building and maintaining vocabulary is crucial. It is why our classrooms should be rich in vocabulary. Both spoken and in print. Especially in Math, as we are seeking to build a deep understanding of concept along with procedure, a strong vocabulary will make for a stronger learner.

A new take on Vocabulary

Here is a video about teaching vocabulary. How do we normally teach vocabulary? We normally pre-teach vocabulary. But is this the most effective way, when very often students have no context in which to understand the meaning. In this video, the teacher uses an activity to "teach" vocabulary after the lesson has been taught. Now the students have a greater context to connect a word with its meaning. Interested in knowing more, check out the video of this 7th grade class in action.

Creative ways to teach vocabulary

From The Teaching Channel. (Click on the pic)

Here is another short one dealing from a Science teacher.

This is an activity using analogies from a Middle School teacher. Includes Smart Board file and worksheets.

Test Prep Vocabulary Activities

Click here or on the above pick for the PDF file. (Must be signed in to ACS e-mail)

This file contains multiple activities (I Have/Who Has, card games) that deal with the vocabulary students will encounter when taking tests. Though most deal with reading (summarize, predict, etc.), there are some that would relate to math or other subjects as well (classify, explain, etc.)

This would be a great activity for any class, for when you have a sub, for Success Time, or as a review.