Integrating Vocabulary throughout the Day

Pair-Define-Explain

Teach vocabulary by sprinkling your instruction with interesting words and phrases. 

Pair the word or phrase with high-frequency synonym, definition, explanation or visual depiction.

Repeat them frequently always pairing with the explanatory source. 

• He committed an egregious error – a very bad mistake. 

• The liquid becomes effervescent – bubbly, full of bubbles – when we stir it. 

• She was motivated by vengeance –she wanted to punish him, sort of get back or get even with him. 

(Reiss, 2008) 

Identify words from selected material (novel, short story, news article) and write them on cards.

Distribute 1-2 cards to each student. 

Read the selection and have each student hold up the appropriate word card each time the targeted word is read. 

(Richek & McTague, 2008) 

IAsk students to record words they are studying when they encounter them in reading and speech.

This enables students to see the words in different contexts and deepens their vocabulary knowledge.

Give students a list of target words. 

Students are to write the sentence in which the words appears (students can be given strips of paper).

One way to add interest is to see how many a class can collect! 

Devote a few minutes each week to reading the sentences – then post them. 

Points can be awarded for: 

1 point – Student saw or heard the word in speech, print or the media. 

2 points – Student used the word in speech (peer wrote the sentence). 

3 points – Student used the word in writing. 

Activity takes a minimum of instructional time, yet encourages notice and use of vocabulary words. 

(Richek & McTague, 2008)