WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE VOCABULARY INSTRUCTION?
1. Relies on more than just definitions.
2. Requires students to represent their knowledge or words in their own words and use graphic
representations, pictures, and pictographs.
3. Involves the gradual shaping of word meaning through multiple exposures.
When
Before the Lesson
During the Lesson
After the Lesson
(Activating/Previewing)
(In Context)
(Summarizing)
 Frayer Model
 Vocabulary Overview
 Draw a picture or
Guide
diagram
 Word Maps
 Pre-Reading
 Word Pyaramid
Strategies  Circle Map
Predictions
 Act It Out
to Use:
 5-3-1
 Character Map
 Vocabulary Chain
 Flexibility Web

Writing
Definitions
 Question Quiz
 Word Sorts
4. Enhances students’ understanding of terms by teaching word parts.
5. Utilizes different types of instruction and strategies for different types of words.
Types of Words
Rationale
Strategies
 Frayer Model
Require more depth and
 Concept Attainment
Concepts
guided/distributed practice for
 Concept Ladder
deeper understanding.
 Concept Squares
 4 Box Word Analysis
Words that are critical to the content  Vocabulary Matrix
being taught and require previewing  Word Map
Essential Words
before the lesson, then addressed in  Word Webs
context during the lesson.
 Which Word Doesn’t Belong
 Word Sorts
 Act It Out
Words that are gradually introduced,
 Synonyms Webs for Tired
then displayed on Word Walls and
Words
High Frequency
continuously used in word game
Words
 I have…Who has…
formats and accurately during
 Quick Talk
writing.
 Concentration
 Multiple Meaning Word Toss
Multiple Meaning
These words must be introduced and
 Question Quiz Show
Words and Words
demonstrated in multiple contexts to
 Multi-Sensory Strategy
Commonly Confused
reduce misconceptions.
 Word Trees
6. Facilitates discussion and use of the terms students are learning.
 Think-Pair-Share
 Around the Clock Partners
 Numbered Heads
 Inner-Outer Circles
7. Engages students in play with words—games!
 Meet the Expert
 Vo-back-ulary
 Hot Seats
 Cubing


Interview a Word
Question Quiz Show
From Vocabulary Instruction, Version 2: A Learning Focused Model by Cindy Riedl