Vocabulary

         Developing a strong vocabulary is an essential part to reading! Not only does vocabulary mean to know a high number of words, but it is also crucial to know the words well. (Children need to have both breadth AND depth of vocabulary knowledge!) Blachowicz suggests four practices that teachers can use to expand their students' vocabularies and improve their reading:

1)Develop word awareness and love of words through word play
2)Deliver explicit, rich instruction to develop important vocabulary
3)Build strategies for independence
4)Engage students actively with a wide range of books

          One of my favorite things in Lane & Allen's article was when they discussed the different ideas for "circle time" and "morning greeting." Just with these simple everyday routines, the language in the classroom grew greatly and in such a fun and positive way, through complimenting each other and actively interacting with all of the classmates. This incidental learning is a great way for children to learn new vocabulary, but researchers would also argue that it is important for the students to have explicit instruction as well!