Levels of Word Knowledge
“The sequence of learning the meaning of words does not reside in innate human development; that is, our brains are not wired to acquire words in any given sequence. The order of learning words resides in children’s environments and experiences.” – Building Words for Life
There is great importance in the meaningful and direct instruction of vocabulary in our classrooms. Research shows that building vocabulary is not simply a developmental process, but one that is enhanced by experiences that allow our students to make real and meaningful connections to the world in which they live. Now, our job is to create classrooms filled with the rich and meaningful language instruction that will build deep conceptual understanding – and not just in the area of reading.
In Building Mathematical Comprehension, Laney Sammons tells us to increase a student’s level of word knowledge there is a need for “robust instruction that is vigorous, strong, and powerful in effect.” The meaning of words and symbols should be explained clearly and purposefully and then students should be provided with ample opportunities to put this word knowledge to work. Levels of word knowledge evolve over time and understanding is enhanced each time a word or symbol is revisited and used in a meaningful way.
A rich vocabulary builds meaning and supports understanding of the world around us. So, in our quest to build greater mathematical understanding, a robust math vocabulary is a vital tool. Here are a few ways to purposefully develop math vocabulary and enhance the word knowledge levels of our young mathematicians:
- Think-aloud and use teacher modeling
- Turn and talk about math strategies
- Utilize a Math Word Wall
- Have purposeful conversations and math dialogs
- Read literature featuring math processes
- Link math to life
- Create math journals
- Solve and discuss the Problem of the Day
- Hold math conferences
- Discuss math current events
- Create and display math anchor charts
- Use math stretches
- Explore math calendar skill
- Share and compare math strategies
- Discuss how your family used math last night
Laney tells us “Just as the size of a snowball expands as it is rolled along the ground to create a snowman, word knowledge increases and becomes more refined with each additional exposure to a word or symbol.” Taking the time to focus on math vocabulary is time well spent and will build our students mathematical understanding.
