How+can+teachers+make+learning+new+vocabulary+words+meaningful?+How+can+we+really+put+these+new+words+to+use+in+the+classroom?

I was thinking about my question and a light bulb finally popped into my head. I recalled reading a chapter about vocabulary instruction in ECI 306. I guess my brain has been filled with so much new information since then, so I had totally forgotten about this until now! I found my Beers textbook and it indeed has a chapter about vocabulary instruction. It's good to be able to refresh my knowledge and answer my question!


 * Here are some points I took away from the chapter:**
 * Vocabulary instruction should be effective, meaning that students learn the words, use the words, and remember the words
 * Assign word study, not word memorization
 * Teach students how to use the context as a clue
 * Teach word parts (specific roots and affixes)
 * Have students be actively involved in word learning
 * Students should be able to make personal connections


 * Examples to use in the classroom:**
 * Have students build vocabulary trees- choose what root word you want students to study and write it at the root of the tree, under the root students write the definition of the word. In the trunk of the tree, students write a key word that you provide that uses the root. The definition is written under that word. Then, students writes as many other words as they can find/think of that use that root in the branches that come off the trunk of the tree.
 * Another idea that Beers offers is giving dependent readers opportunities to collect words that they particularly like, do not understand, think sound funny, think look funny, or that invoke a memory or image. Students will put these words onto bookmarks. Every week or so, the teacher can have the class share the words they have collected. As students call out the words, the teacher records them on big piece of paper and talks about them with the class. As a class, choose 2-4 words that you all want to use for the next few weeks.

//When Kids Can't Read- What Teachers Can Do// by Kylene Beers
 * Sources:**