Making Vocabulary Real for ESOL Students

1
Making Vocabulary Real for ESOL Students

• Cheryl Howard, Ed.d
• ESOL Instructor
• Ann Arundel Cty Public Schools

2
The Vocabulary Dilemma

• Vocabulary Activities graphic organizers, flash
  cards, memorizing
• Little time is spent on reinforcement. Students
  need to apply the word to conversation right
  away. How?

3
From ESL Globe, NC State

• To know what a word means is knowing it in all
  of the following dimensions
• The ability to define a word
• The ability to recognize when to use it
• Knowledge of its multiple meanings
• The ability to decode and spell that word

4
The average second language learner. . .

• Needs to see a word 12 times before they own it.

5
Our Ultimate GoalApplication

CALP

• BICS

vocabulary
clicks
6
SOLUTION 1

• Use index cards but not for flash cards, for
  GAMES!
• Can reinforce comprehension
• Go Fish (Uses do you have, might you have, give
  me please, etc.)
• - match definition to word
• - match picture to word
• - match word to example

7
Solution 2 Skits

• Students love to read about themselves in a story
  or skit.
• Create a short play using vocabulary words with
  your group members as characters.
• Potential to teach vocabulary in context and to
  have them begin to own it in conversation.

8
Solution for more advanced students

• Conversation Sentence strips
• Two part conversations are put on strips.
  One has the target word.
• EXAMPLE Strip 1 I was stuck in traffic for 3
  hours last Sunday.
• Strip 2 You must have felt very frustrated!

9
Variations

• Students create their own conversation strips,
  give to others
• Partners create interview questions. Interviewee
  must use words in their answers.

• Students are just given the words. At the sound
  of the bell, they must all converse using all
  words or some of designated words in a limited
  time.

10
Another applicationExit tickets

• Teacher says something to student in natural
  conversation. Student must respond using one of
  the vocabulary words.
• Example Teacher Did you understand the
  exercises in todays class?
• Student (must use frustrated) Yes, but at
  first I felt a little frustrated until I listened
  to other kids doing them. Then it was easy!

11
A word about academic vocabulary

• All of the activities mentioned can be applied to
  reinforcement of academic vocabulary.
• Whats important is to make time for these
  activities.

12
Lets Try Vocabulary Stations!
13
Summary

• Teaching Vocabulary doesnt have to be just
  memorization. Embedding words into
  conversational settings will help them STICK and
  MAKE IT REAL!