Reading Vocabulary
Keywords: Mnemonic Instruction
Appropriate Grade Level: Elementary-Middle School
Procedures/Steps:
Keyword instruction involves the teaching of keywords to assist in vocabulary
acquisition. It is found to enhance concrete and abstract vocabulary.
Teaching keywords means teaching a vocabulary word, such as the one used in the
article, “jettisoned”, using the definition and a keyword to stimulate comprehension and
thinking to foster word-retention. For example, for “jettisoned”, the teacher gives the
definition, “to throw overboard” and provides a keyword “jet” to help the students
visualize and relate the definition. A picture of a jet with something being thrown
overboard helps enhance comprehension.
Here is an example keyword for the vocabulary word “aloft.”
Aloft: “High up in the sky,” keyword “leaf”, leaves are high in the sky.
Aloft- (leaf)
-High up in the sky
Comments and/or tips:
Use of this strategy seems extremely useful, especially when considering the way that
each student learns. Be sure to be consistent in the method’s use, and allow students to
come up with a keyword the class can agree on. Students can make their own flashcards
with the word and picture or keyword on the front, and the definition on the back.
Source:
Uberti, H., Scruggs, T., Mastropieri, M., 2003. Keywords make the difference!
Mnemonic instruction in inclusive classrooms. Teaching Exceptional Children,
v.35, n.3, 56-61.