WORD CONSCIOUSNESS
“Students who are word
conscious are aware of the
words around them-those
they read and hear and
those they write and speak.”
(Graves, 2002)
HOW DO WE FOSTER WORD CONSCIOUSNESS?
Teachers encourage adept diction-the skillful
use of words in speech and writing
Teachers deliberately use skillful language
Mentor Texts as models
Creating a word rich classroom environment
Teaching language categories and word
meanings
Exposing students to texts rich in figurative
language
WORD PLAY
Word play can stimulate student’s
natural curiosity about language,
improve vocabulary development and
reading, reveal the structures of
language, and foster independent
learning. Categories of word play
include:
1. Expressions
2. Names
3. Word formations
4. Word games
5. Word manipulations
ACTIVITIES TO DEVELOP WORD AWARENESS
Generative Vocabulary Knowledge
Word Histories and Origins
Teaching Idioms
Latin & Greek Roots
Riddles
Synonyms & Antonyms
Denotations & Connotations
Word Webs
Word Walls
Vocabulary Cards
POETRY AS WORD PLAY
Poetry allows students to play with
words and ideas. Reading poetry serves
as a model and inspiration for students,
and writing poetry enables students to
try their hand at figurative language
and multiple word meanings, as well as
syntactical constructions of words. It also
develops an understanding of emotive
language and connotative meanings as
students discern the meaning in the
poem’s imagery and diction.
TEACHERS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT
TO STUDENTS BECOMING WORD CONSCIOUS
“Word play engages students in active,
social learning, motivates students to
improve their language skills, and is
accomplished through the manipulation
of meanings, arrangements, spellings,
sounds, and various other aspects of
words. Being a word conscious teacher is
the best way to promote word
consciousness among students”
(Lane & Allen, 2010).
RESEARCH SUGGESTS. . .
Vocabulary study should be generative,
meaning it will transfer to and enhance
the acquisition of other words.
Vocabulary study should never be taught
in isolation or “dropped from sight”. . .
Words consciousness is crucial to a
learner’s success in expanding word
knowledge over the course of their
lifetimes. . .
Lessons should be designed with the
incorporation of language play to
stimulate, sustain, and capture natural
interest. . .
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT YOU CAN CREATE A PRINT RICH
ENVIRONMENT IN YOUR CLASSROOM THAT PROMOTES WORD
PLAY & DEVELOPS WORD CONSCIOUSNESS?