Thursday, September 16, 2010

Archive Topic: Vocabulary Collecting


Purpose of this blog: Review of interesting articles and ideas in English education journals, K-12.

10-second review: When a student encounters an unfamiliar word, add to his study card various forms of the word.

Title: “Word Expansions for Multiplying Sight Vocabulary.” BF Floriani. Reading Teacher (November 1979), 155-157.

Summary: The student encounters an unfamiliar word. The student makes up a study card (3” x 5” index card) with the word and its pronunciation, if necessary, on one side. On the other side, the student writes a student-friendly (informal) definition (short as possible). The student creates a symbol to represent the word. The student extends the word in three ways. If the word is “settle,” the following forms of the word are added:  “settled.” “settlement,” “ settling.” Then add synonyms (about three that are familiar) and finally antonyms.

Comment: It’s worth the effort in building vocabulary. Just about everything the student needs to know about that word is on that card. The card will go a long way toward helping the student remember the word. RayS.

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