VOA · Early Literacy
Advanced · C1learner speed8:072023-06-28public domain
Early Literacy episodes discuss how children learn to read and write. The topic vocabulary repeats naturally across episodes, which reinforces retention — and the clear, measured delivery suits focused dictation work.
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01The words we use to speak, write, and read are called our vocabulary.
02We need a strong vocabulary to share ideas.
03Teaching Tips for Vocabulary An English teacher should focus heavily on building vocabulary.
04When you teach your students new words, use strategies and activities that allow them to draw, read, write, and repeat new words as much as possible.
05Use examples suited to the age of your students.
06If you teach the word happy to younger students, your example might be, My friend gave me a toy.
07I felt happy.
08But you probably would not use that example with an older student.
09In that case, an example might be, My job makes me happy.
10Create a sentence frame for the students to use.
11Sentence frames help students use a word quickly and in a complete thought.
12They are ready-made sentences.
13Sentence frames for the word happy could be, I feel happy when...
14Blank.
15Blank makes me happy.
16Use visual aids and appeal to all your students' senses.
17When you teach a new word, show a picture.
18If you teach the word bug, show or bring in a bug.
19If you teach the word happy, show them happiness.
20Have them act it out.
21Use the senses often.
22Once you teach a new word, use it often.
23The more students use a new word, the more likely they are to learn and remember it.
24Use vocabulary across subject matter.
25Include words you use in other classes, like math and science.
26Students are more likely to learn a word if they use it in different situations.
27Finish the new word lesson with a question or quick activity.
28You could ask, What do people look like when they are happy?
29Can you show me?
30Then have each student show happiness.
31Strategies for vocabulary Strategy.
32First teach important words and ideas.
33Before reading a story, your students should understand the words and ideas in the story.
34Make a vocabulary list of key words in the text.
35Post the list in the classroom.
36Say the words with students.
37Talk about the meanings.
38Also explain any new ideas in the story.
39Strategy.
40Active read aloud.
41This strategy can be used for vocabulary and comprehension.
42When reading aloud to your class, ask questions about a new or important word.
43Let students answer in their home language or English.
44Correct or add to the students' answers.
45Here is an example.
46What does it mean to hate somebody?
47You do not like them.
48Yes, but a little or a lot.
49A lot.
50You do not like them a lot.
51Explain the meaning of the word.
52Give a definition, related words, and examples.
53Use your face, objects, pictures, or physical movements to show word meanings while they read aloud.
54A word map is like a picture.
55It organizes information in a visual way.
56Word maps help students to think about new words in different ways.
57On the board or on paper, write the new word in the middle of the map.
58Tell the students to think about the word.
59Then, they fill in the rest of the map with a definition, sentences using the word, related words, unrelated words, and pictures to explain the word.
60Do this as a whole class or in small groups.
61Assessment for Vocabulary Assessing or testing vocabulary in your students is very important.
62Here are some ways to assess vocabulary of early and advanced learners.
63Match words with visuals.
64This type of assessment is very helpful for early learners and learners with a very low English level.
65Choose the target words, the words you want to test.
66Then, collect or draw pictures to go with each word.
67You can also use objects.
68Say the word, and then have the student choose the correct picture or object.
69Interviews Choose the target words and ask the student questions.
70Can you use this word in a sentence?
71What word in your language means the same thing?
72Use your face and body to show the word's meaning.
73In their own words, summarize.
74Give students a short text to read.
75Make sure the text has target vocabulary.
76Students then can show their understanding of the vocabulary by retelling, describing, or explaining the text.
77You can also ask students to talk about a character or favorite part of the story using the target vocabulary.
78Role plays Role plays are a form of acting.
79Give students a text to read and have them act it out.
80More advanced students can write a play using the target vocabulary.
81Students can play the role of the teacher and review vocabulary with the class.
82Use these tips, strategies, and assessment methods that best serve you and your learners.
83Change them to fit your students and teaching situation.
84I'm Anna Mateo.
85And I'm Katie Weaver.
// transcribed with Whisper AI — reading it is easy; catching it by ear is the skill
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