Chapter 9, Review and Assessment - Voni

It is necessary to introduce new vocabulary at the start of the lesson.
During the vocabulary preview, students see the word written and hear it spoken. I like to give the students an opportunity to share how the new word is relevant to them or I will give an example of how it is used. For example, a story we were going to read used the word “dock “, during the preview, the students were baffled as to what it meant, but with the use of a ruler, pretend water and pretend boats we were able to understand what a dock was and its function. When the students came to the word “dock” we did a quick review of the meaning before they read on. This technique introduces the word by seeing the written word and hearing or telling how it is used and then gives the student a chance to recall and reinforce the meaning. I feel this helps them to better visualize and understand the story while helping to cement the vocabulary into their minds. It’s a mini spiral of learning effect.

For the assessment of vocabulary at the end of a lesson, I like the idea of the students writing a sentence using the new word and reading it aloud to me. Or have a fill in the blank , on the overhead or chalkboard and then have the students write their answer on individual white boards. After they show me their answer I can see who may need further help.

Also whenever an opportunity pops up during the day for a vocabulary word or new concept to be reviewed, I take it. Any opportunity to recall the learning is well worth the time, so whenever possible I refresh and review key points of previous lessons, adding to the repetition repetition of newly learned information.