The Literacy Dive Podcast: Reading and Writing Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers and Parents - 146. Debunking 4 Vocabulary Myths and Misconceptions in the Upper Elementary Classroom

146. Debunking 4 Vocabulary Myths and Misconceptions in the Upper Elementary Classroom

11/13/23 • 17 min

The Literacy Dive Podcast: Reading and Writing Strategies for Upper Elementary Teachers and Parents

Last week I brought attention to vocabulary acquisition and the importance of expanding your students’ vocabulary toolbox. But before you start incorporating more vocabulary into your instructional day, I wanted to bring awareness to some common vocabulary myths and misconceptions as you focus on this in your upper elementary classrooms. So in today’s episode, I’m debunking vocabulary myths and highlighting the need for structured vocabulary instruction, along with different ways to embed vocabulary.

Reading and memorization were always the standard ways for teaching vocabulary, but we have since learned those aren’t effective ways to learn new vocabulary words. Instead, incorporating vocabulary in discussions, stories, and explicit instruction will make vocabulary more memorable and meaningful for students. Additionally, I provide examples on how using vocabulary in context creates a deeper understanding of the word.

In order to expand a student’s vocabulary, it’s more than just exposure while reading texts. It’s actually intentional instruction with application as the end result. By knowing common vocabulary myths and how to teach it effectively, your students will have more vocabulary words in their toolbox and use it in other contexts. Stay tuned to next week’s episode where I dive into strategies and actionable tips for vocabulary!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode146

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Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode146

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Me:

Join The Daily Writing Disguise Membership here
Shop my TpT store here
Check out TDWD Collections here
Receive emails from me here
Follow me on Instagram here
Read my blog posts here

Previous Episode

145. Unpacking the Role of Vocabulary Acquisition

One of our biggest roles as literacy teachers is to improve their comprehension skills. However, we rarely focus on the one component that gives students the foundation of comprehension, which is vocabulary. Vocabulary is so much more than just words, for it transforms a story and is the key to communication. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing the role vocabulary acquisition has in your upper elementary classroom and the impact it has on students.

At an initial glance, vocabulary seems to only affect reading and writing, but it truly does have an impact on all other subject areas as well. By being intentional about vocabulary acquisition, you will be creating an experience that involves students and an opportunity for a deeper level of comprehension and understanding. When students add vocabulary words to their toolbox, they are able to make connections that add to their overall learning experience.

Knowing how to deepen a students’ vocabulary acquisition will directly impact their reading comprehension, writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication. With this critical background information, you will now be able to add to your knowledge with strategies and various methods for students to receive vocabulary. Stay tuned to next week’s episode where I discuss myths and misconceptions surrounding vocabulary.

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode145

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Me:

Join The Daily Writing Disguise Membership here
Shop my TpT store here
Check out TDWD Collections here
Receive emails from me here
Follow me on Instagram here
Read my blog posts here

Next Episode

147. Strategies for Seamless Vocabulary Integration in the Classroom

Over the last few weeks, we’ve done a complete deep dive into vocabulary acquisition, its importance, and debunking common myths and misconceptions. Now that we covered the background information, in part three of this series, it’s time to discuss practical vocabulary strategies. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to seamlessly integrate vocabulary strategies in your classroom and already existing daily curriculum.

In order for information to permanently stick in a person’s brain, they need multiple exposures and interactions. So the more we integrate vocabulary strategies throughout our day and through cross-curricular, the deeper their understanding and meaning of words will be. Throughout the episode, I share copious amounts of vocabulary strategies that range from games, visuals, technology, and thematic or content related ways to naturally incorporate vocabulary.

Deepening vocabulary acquisition is not a one size fits all approach, which is why finding ways to make connections with words is so critical. When you can start to integrate vocabulary strategies seamlessly in your classroom, your students will be able to interact and use words organically in their writing and daily discussions. Stay tuned to next week’s episode, which is our last in the series!

Show Notes: https://theliteracydive.com/episode147

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Me: