Building vocabulary covers children from pre-K through college, teaching them different strategies for identifying words, depending on their grade level and abilities. The youngest students develop an understanding of the most frequently used words in English, commonly referred to as Dolch Words. Older students improve vocabulary through the use of synonyms, antonyms, using context clues, understanding root words and grasping the nuances of prefixes and suffixes.
Differentiation takes a variety of factors into consideration when assessing how to work on building vocabulary with students. One of the first considerations is if he speaks English as his native language. This especially impacts preschoolers and kindergarten children who may not even know English when they come to school. Other factors include the child's overall personality, such as the use of humor, his attention span, class dynamics, the child's physical health and his academic ability.
Teachers can implement differentiated vocabulary lessons by using a wide range of learning tools. In addition to traditional worksheets, children can solve all types of word puzzles, play guided games, work in reading groups, respond to creative journal prompts, and listen to audio materials. Differentiate between those who students who prefer to work alone from those who learn better by working in a group. Others may want to use the computer, while online activities may not interest others.
To teach context clues, write three or four sentences on the board with new vocabulary words. Read the sentences out loud. Ask the children to identify the new word and suggest possible meanings for the word. Use a work sheet to further explain context clues and review this on an over head. Teach students different types of context clues, such as definitions, synonyms, antonyms and inferences. Allow students to find and group types of context clues. This lesson integrates seeing, hearing and doing into the class activity for building vocabulary.