Vocabulary Instruction

Vocabulary Resources

Vocabulary.com: student-friendly definitions, multiple examples of words in context, create own vocabulary lists, adaptive practice quizzes with explanations for right answers
www.vocabulary.com

Word and Phrase Tool: analyze text for useful information about words and phrases in text, identify low-frequency words and academic words
http://www.wordandphrase.info/analyzeText.asp

Collins Cobuild Dictionary: student-friendly definitions
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english

Quizlet: create flashcards and games for learning new words
www.quizlet.com

For more information about Vocabulary Learning and Instruction

Lehr, F., Osborn, J. & Hiebert, E. H. (2004). A Focus on Vocabulary (Research Based Practices in Early Reading Series). Honolulu, HI: Pacific Resources for Education and Learning. Retrieved from: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED483190.pdf


For teaching the tier 2 academic words found in the directions and questions on standardized tests, be sure to do MORE than give students a short, decontextualized "powerful words" definition. Here are some links for how to talk about those words:

10 Test Question Terms and What They Ask Students to Do

Top 10 Terms Students Need to Know to Be Successful on Standardized Tests