Chapter 7 Overview Knowledge of word meanings is a prerequisite for comprehension. In order for students
to comprehend a text and engage in discussion, they must understand the words contained in that
text. While most would agree in the need for vocabulary instruction, there are varying ideas about how instruction should look in the classroom. Some of the older, traditional methods are not very effective and yet you will witness these continuing to be used in many schools. Chapter 7 discusses the use of word walls, context clues, and word study activities to help
students build their vocabularies and increase comprehension.Chapter 7 Objectives After reading chapter 7, students should be able to:
1. List ways in which students learn vocabulary words.
2. Explain the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading.
3. Describe ways in which teachers teach vocabulary.
4. List and describe the components of word study.
How Effective Teachers Expand Students’ Knowledge of Words 1. Teachers provide daily opportunities for students to read books independently and listen
to them read aloud.
2. Teaches categorize unfamiliar words into three tiers – basic words, academic words, and
specialized words.
3. Teachers teach Tier 2 words using direct instruction and a variety of word-study activities.
4. Teachers support students’ development of word-learning strategies.
5. Teachers nurture students’ word consciousness.
Preview Use the questions below to initiate a conversation on vocabulary development.
1. Our vocabularies grow throughout our lives. How do you learn new words as an adult?
2. How do you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words? ~
to comprehend a text and engage in discussion, they must understand the words contained in that
text. While most would agree in the need for vocabulary instruction, there are varying ideas about how instruction should look in the classroom. Some of the older, traditional methods are not very effective and yet you will witness these continuing to be used in many schools. Chapter 7 discusses the use of word walls, context clues, and word study activities to help
students build their vocabularies and increase comprehension.
1. List ways in which students learn vocabulary words.
2. Explain the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading.
3. Describe ways in which teachers teach vocabulary.
4. List and describe the components of word study.
to them read aloud.
2. Teaches categorize unfamiliar words into three tiers – basic words, academic words, and
specialized words.
3. Teachers teach Tier 2 words using direct instruction and a variety of word-study activities.
4. Teachers support students’ development of word-learning strategies.
5. Teachers nurture students’ word consciousness.
1. Our vocabularies grow throughout our lives. How do you learn new words as an adult?
2. How do you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words?