12/14/04

CONNECTING STUDENTS TO VOCABULARY

While it is widely accepted that a knowledge of word roots, prefixes and suffixes helps students decipher new words, particularly when the root is connected to a word they already know well, the success level depends on how a vocabulary program introduces these words.

Vocabulary presented as a list of words, no matter how it’s formatted, is not a reliable teaching method.  I have looked at many a program with a creative title, but no matter which words were chosen nor how carefully they were crafted, a list is a list is a list. 

One program, for instance, expects students to learn a root along with four or so words that stem from it — all in one day!  Then, the next day, it’s on to another set.  That is so static — and boring!  What student could feel involved with a method like that?

I feel absolutely certain that the format I use to present vocabulary is guaranteed to interest and connect with students.  With just fifteen minutes a day (what any other program would need) and a bit of homework, students are bound to become participants in the learning process.  They don’t need to play games to learn, either!

Let’s look at one of Word Web’s root words: anti- meaning “against.”  It’s a typical lesson designed for one week’s work.  Words are shown to students on a web so that there’s a visual reference to the root word (or prefix or suffix).  On the next page each word is defined.  Although students are only expected to learn the meaning of the words that are designated on the web to be at their learning level, during the week, they will hear words at all levels discussed.  Many of the words invite student interaction with its questions and fill-in-the-blanks, and as you read these without any clue as to their rank of difficulty, you’ll know that some of the words are aimed at mature learners while others are not.  Naturally, I expect teachers to add examples of their own and to take advantage of the extra help I provide in their manuals.

antacid  (n):  A medication that acts against acid; indigestion.  Can you name any of these?

antibacterial (adj): A cleanser that works against bacteria (germs).  Find an ad for at least one such cleanser.

antibiotic (against + life) (n): A substance, such as penicillin, produced by certain fungi that can counteract the growth of bacteria.  Antibiotics are widely used in the prevention and treatment of diseases such as pneumonia.

anticlimax (n): A sudden descent in speaking, writing or every day occurrences from the significant to the inconsequential.  After winning first place in the national spelling bee, Sue thought getting an A on the week’s spelling test was an anticlimax.

anticrime (against + crime) (adj): Name two anti-crime measures that people can take.

antidote (against + giving) (n):  A remedy used to counteract the effects  of a poison, a bad day, unhappiness. Compare this word with this week’s Wicked Word of the Week (anecdote).

antifreeze (n): What does antifreeze do when added to a car’s radiator?

antilock brakes (n): How do antilock brakes contribute to a car’s safety?

antiperspirant (n): Teens and adults should use antiperspirants to counteract excessive perspiration.  Watch out for that second “i;” it sounds like an “e!”

antipathy (against +  suffering)(n):  A strong feeling of dislike.  Jon has an antipathy for snakes.

anti-Semite (n): One who discriminates against or who is prejudiced against Jews. anti-Semitic (adj).  His friends scorned Greg’s anti-Semitic talk.

antiseptic (against + decay) (n): A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of disease-causing microorganisms. Lysol® is an antiseptic. Can you name another product that kills germs?

antisocial (adj): Opposed to the society of others; not sociable.  I used to think that Mary was antisocial, but then I realized she was only shy.

antitheft (_______ + _______)(adj):  Give an example of an antitheft device.

antithesis (n): The exact opposite.  Spanish turned out to be the antithesis of what I had expected. I love it!

antivirus (adj):  A virus is one of many diseases that affects plants and animals.  An antivirus counteracts the disease.  Computer science:  One of several software programs that prevent a virus. Name at least one of these programs.

The next word has a separate designation called “Cool Connection”^® because it uses a familiar word, Antarctic, that most people would not realize utilizes the prefix anti-.) The Antarctic (opposite + arctic) at the South Pole is the opposite of the arctic region at the North Pole.

This last word I call a “Bonus Blast” ^® because it’s hard to pronounce (a challenge most children love) and not well known.  I also provide a link to literature with it, which I do as often as I am able. antimacassar (against + oil):  A covering, often crocheted, to protect the backs of chairs and sofas from hair oil, to counteract damage.  “A worked antimacassar lay upon her lap and a basket of coloured silks stood upon a stool beside her.”  Sherlock Holmes, The Adventure of the Cardboard Box.  Arthur Conan Doyle

Other words defined in the lesson are: antiballistic (against + rockets/aerial explosives) (adj); anticoagulant (n); antihistamine (n); antinuclear (adj);antitrust (adj)

Remember, there’s one whole week in which to cover these words and for students to write sentences that contain words at their learning level.  In my next Ellie’sWord, I’ll explain my thoughts about continuous review.

Please contact me (emiller@seepub.com) with questions or comments. I'd love to know how you are making out with Word Web and how your students are doing!

That's my word for this time, Ellie

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