Knowing academic vocabulary is essential for students to understand concepts across content areas and a reliable predictor of academic success! This post provides free sample lessons and tips for successfully teaching academic vocabulary.
See below for free downloads from Evan-Moor’s Daily Academic Vocabulary (grades 2–6):
Teacher overview – all levels Review these pages for research on vocabulary instruction, tips for successful vocabulary teaching, weekly walk-through, and tips on meeting the needs of English language learners.
Other ideas to extend vocabulary learning:
Create a word wall
- Add your academic vocabulary words for the day or week.
- Students can brainstorm related words and add words using index cards or Post-it notes.
Use graphic organizers and drawings
- Have students draw a picture or symbol or use graphic organizers, such as word maps, to represent the vocabulary word.
Create a vocabulary journal
- Students should chart the words and their definitions as well as examples of each word to help them remember the words. They can do this using drawings, symbols, stories, or sentences.
Create a chant or song in small groups
- Try this sample musical vocabulary lesson: “Music to Their Ears.”
Play vocabulary games
- Headband guessing game: Write vocabulary words on construction-paper headbands. Students wear a headband (without seeing the word), and classmates provide clues and examples to help the student guess the word. You can also use a name tag sticker which can be placed on the student’s back.
- Vocabulary Bingo game: Students place bingo chips on a square after hearing the word’s definition. (Free Bingo templates are available online.)
Read the research
Daily Academic Vocabulary combines direct instruction with speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities that reflect Marzano’s strategic process for teaching vocabulary. For more information, see:
- ASCD Educational Leadership article: Six Steps to Better Vocabulary Instruction
- White paper: How Daily Academic Vocabulary Supports Vocabulary Development
Please share your ideas for teaching academic vocabulary in the comments section.
Theresa Wooler has more than 10 years’ experience in K–6 classrooms as a parent volunteer and homeschool educator, has taught high school English, and is currently involved in education through Evan-Moor’s marketing communications team.