Vocabulary: Suggestions and Websites
According to reading research, reading is the best way for students to build
vocabulary. Vocabulary strategies that students can use to determine the meaning of
unfamiliar words include using prior knowledge, using context clues, using picture clues,
and/or using word structure (root words, prefixes, suffixes). HINT: You will need to
copy/paste these websites onto your browser since they are not direct links.
Vocabulary Websites
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749478 (This site has many
recommendations for vocabulary instruction.)
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749477 (This site has vocabulary
lists for reading categorized by grade level.)
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/9943 (This is a comprehensive discussion of
vocabulary and its relevance to reading.)
Dictionary Websites
www.teacher.scholastic.com/dictionary (Word Wizard, an interactive website has a
dictionary with an audio icon so students can listen to the pronunciation of a word. There
are dictionary and vocabulary games to make learning fun! In addition, Word Wizard is
now on all Scholastic.com so students can access this online dictionary from their
favorite Scholastic articles.)
www.wordcentral.com (A great website for locating words and finding the necessary /
necessary information. The word of the day is displayed with its definition, how it is used
in a sentence, and a pronunciation guide. If you click on "Hear it," you can hear the word
said aloud.)
Vocabulary / Dictionary Lessons
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749478 (This site has many
recommendations for vocabulary instruction.)
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749477 (This site has vocabulary
lists for reading categorized by grade level.)
Dictionary Skills
alphabetical order
guide words
pronunciation
definitions
spelling
parts of speech
Dictionaries Why use the book when the Internet is so speedy? A physical book is
often faster, especially if you are not sure of the spelling of a word. Here are several
recommendations for dictionaries.
Webster's New World Children's Dictionary (Wiley, 1999, ISBN: 0028-63125-0) was
written and designed specifically for children ages 8 to 11. This is a terrific resource for
bridging up to the more hefty volumes. The definitions are clear and contain example
sentences to place words in context. In addition to full-color photographs and maps, there
are spelling tips.
American Heritage Children's Dictionary (Houghton Mifflin, 2003, ISBN: 0-618-280022) With over 13,000 entries, this updated edition is an essential purchase if your present
volumes are missing words like Internet, byte, cyberspace. This dictionary contains more
that 1,000 full-color photographs and drawings.
Pocket Oxford American Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-19530163-2) This paperback edition is a bargain at $12.95. The definitions are written in a
clear, natural style with few abbreviations.
What parents can do to help at home
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Encourage your child to read on his own. The more children read, the more words
they encounter and learn.
Engage your child in conversations every day. If possible, include new and
interesting words in your conversation.
Read to and/or with your child each day. When the book contains a new or
interesting word, pause and define the word for your child. After you're done
reading, engage your child in a conversation about the book.
Help build word knowledge by classifying and grouping objects or pictures while
naming them.
Help build your child's understanding of language by playing verbal games and
telling jokes and stories.
What kids can do to help themselves
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Find books to read on your own. The more you read, the more new words you'll
see, and the more you'll learn about the words.
Look ahead in textbooks to learn new vocabulary and concepts before your
teacher goes over the section in class.
Keep a list of key vocabulary and transition words.
Practice telling stories using the words first, then, and finally.
Anne Fisher, M.A.
Reading Specialist
Cedar Hill Elementary School
Montville Township Public Schools, NJ