Vocabulary Instruction

Learning vocabulary is a constant process and is never finished. Connecting to background knowledge is the best way for me to learn new vocab words. It creating a deeper meaning in my mind and aids me in remembering new terms. While this is the best form of instruction for me, it may not be the best way for others and different approaches for vocabulary instruction is necessary in the classroom. Another way is by repetition. I've noticed that this approach words great when teaching a foreign language. I teach after school Spanish classes and repetition is the best way for students to remember words. Meaningful use is also a great way to used new vocabulary. I strongly believe in the "use it or lose it" philosophy and the students need activities and projects involving the new terms. In my field, the students are encouraged to use their vocabulary words in their writings and become very excited when the find words in their readings.
Since it is a third grade classroom, the are beginning to read more difficult texts and often encounter words that they are unfamiliar with. At the beginning of the year, each student was given their dictionary to keep. When the come across words during whole-group activities that they do not know, the CT designates a "Word Wizard" to look up the word and read the definition to the class. When the come across a word in the dictionary they they really like, they are encouraged to circle the word and somehow use it in their work.