A Place For Content Literacy
By Katherine E. Misulis
Misulis, Katherine E. A Place for
Content Literacy. The Science Teacher.
78.1 (2011) : 47-50 . Print
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At the secondary level, science content is
complex, and challenging
 Highly specialized terminology

Embed content literacy instruction within
science instruction
 Integrate literacy skills rather than add them
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The National Institute for Literacy (2007)
assessment data confirms that for many high
school students, subject-related literacy tasks are
challenging
The National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (2000) reported that students need
continued development and reinforcement of
vocabulary and comprehension skills


Teacher should actively review content and select
their own vocabulary words
Do not limit vocabulary instruction to
memorization
 Identify word parts (root, prefix, suffix), word origins,
context clues, build dictionary skills

Provide opportunity to use the words throughout
the lesson
 Understanding is achieved through regular opportunities
to reinforce meaning

Brainstorming
 Connections and discussions

Graphic organizers
 Visual depiction of words and their relationships

Categorizing activities
 Group words into categories with rationale for choices

Literal-level vocabulary activities
 Flashcards, matching, synonyms, Jeopardy

Application vocabulary activities
 Higher comprehension level, use of terms throughout
lesson, lab work, writing, demonstration


In addition to vocabulary activities,
comprehension activities should
be included within science
instruction to facilitate learning
of science content, processes,
and procedures.
Think at higher comprehension
levels and engage in reasoning

Anticipation & Reaction Guides
 Agree/disagree statements at beginning and end of lesson
 Did their opinion change?
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Bloom’s Taxonomy

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Make a game of using new vocabulary words
in a lesson
Multisensory learning of vocabulary words for
better comprehension
 Charades & Pictionary

Keep any ongoing list of all words learned
throughout the year posted