Debunking 4 Vocabulary Myths and Misconceptions in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Listen to the full episode to hear 4 vocabulary myths and misconceptions:

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!

In this episode on vocabulary myths and misconceptions, I share:

• 4 common misconceptions about vocabulary
• The 2 standard ways of teaching vocabulary and why they’re not effective
• Why using vocabulary in context and application develops a deeper understanding of the meaning
• How to easily embed vocabulary in discussion, stories, and writing
• Ways to make the transition from passive to active vocabulary

Resources Mentioned:

• Join The Daily Writing Disguise
• Vocabulary Writing Prompts FREE Sample
• Vocabulary Writing Prompts
• Episode 145, Unpacking the Role of Vocabulary Acquisition

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About The Literacy Dive Podcast:

Do you find yourself seeking new implementations when it comes to literacy instruction? Do you crave fresh ideas and engaging lessons to transform your students into skilled readers and writers? The Literacy Dive Podcast was created to provide educators, like you, with actionable steps and strategies to improve teaching reading and writing. 

Your host, Megan Polk, is the creator and owner of The Literacy Dive, a company that creates educational, literacy curriculum that aims to close the gap and support children in reaching mastery. Being a literacy specialist and having over a decade of teaching grades K-5, Megan knows the power of collaboration and working alongside teachers and parents to provide them with the support, confidence, and resources they need to meet students where they are.

Dive in each Monday as Megan and her guests unpack an element of literacy or various topics relatable to educators. Here are some topics covered in this literacy podcast: writing strategies, reading comprehension, the writing process, the science of reading, and small group instruction.

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