Fom praacticalaac.org
 

Vocabulary instruction involves a systematic TEACHING process. Core vocabulary words are harder to represent with pictures but still need to be taught with direct instruction. Many of the strategies and activities are part of general vocabulary teaching. Decide your core word vocabulary to teach and begin with strategies, steps, and fun activities.

 

Teach in Meaningful Language Experiences

Create activities about the words but also about the communication behind the words.  Develop activities that are meaningful to the learners.

 

Provide Active Participation Opportunities

Develop many, many (many) opportunities for the learners to use the vocabulary as an expressive communication tool as well as for receptive language.  Have the learner interact with the core word vocabulary rather than just listen to explanations. Give the vocabulary communicative power for the learner. 

 

Use Aided Language Input

Model AAC style.

 

Use Focused Language Stimulation

Highlight new words and use them repetitively. We like to think of it as if anyone was watching, they would definitely know the target words even if they did not have a ‘lesson plan’.

 

Teach Using Repetition with Variety

Use many activities that target the same core vocabulary in similar ways but that are different by details.  Find ‘big’ balls, then search for ”big’ clouds.  

 

Provide Specific Reinforcement

When teaching vocabulary, we want to use specific vocabulary reinforcement, without forgetting about natural communication reinforcement for using the target words. 

 

Use Scaffolding

Use previous knowledge of words to relate to the new core vocabulary.

 

Use All Modalities of Language

Create activities using talking, listening, reading, and writing.

 

Presume Competence

Do not assume anything but that ALL learners can benefit from direct vocabulary instruction.

 

General Teaching Sequence  

 

STEP 1:  Introduce the new word(s)
STEP 2:  Teach the new word(s) with explicit instruction activities
STEP 3:  Elaborate on the new word meanings with engaging practice activities
STEP 4:  Provide repeated exposure to the new word(s) on an ongoing basis
STEP 5:  Check for understanding and re-teach, as necessary.

 

Activity Ideas