Chapter 6 of Classrooms That Work focuses on the importance of building the vocabularies of children. This chapter states that providing real-life experiences for children helps them build vocabulary because we all learn best when we have real, direct experiences with whatever we are learning. One way to do so is to bring real things into the classroom and attach words to them, such as different types of balls- tennis, baseball, basketball, etc. Another way is to utilize unexpected events as opportunities to introduce new vocabulary. The example in the book describes an unfortunate student breaking their leg and the teacher uses this as a chance to allow students to share their experiences with broken bones to expand their knowledge and vocabulary of the matter. Also, using media and technology to introduce vocabulary that children otherwise might not be able to have contact with. For example, showing images and videos of things like monkeys, space probes, or mountains allow kids to expand their vocabulary without the items being present. After spending some time on Pinterest, I found a great vocabulary wall that showed students new vocabulary words in the books they had been reading in class.
What is a fun activity that you learned from this weeks readings that helps expands a students vocabulary?
What do you think personally helped you expand your vocabulary both as a child and an adult?
I learned about the website www.freerice.com which is a great website that builds students' vocabulary skills while also allowing them to take part in a service project because each vocabulary word they correctly guess the meaning of they donate 10 grains of rice to a country in need. This is an excellent activity to use with the whole class to introduce a vocabulary lesson.
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