I have come to find that this "blog thing" isn't so bad. I really love the way that I am able to express myself through text and words; moreover, I enjoy knowing that others carry the same burdens, hardships, and trials through education. Building vocabulary for students is something not only that they should be doing, but that I should as well. Words I use in conversation should be pivital points where students begin to wonder what in the world I am talking about!
The most interesting things that I thought most would apply to activating the kinds of knowkedge and vocabulary for my students were the Semantic Web and the Mapped Questions. The Semantic Web is similar to a Circle Graph that use regularly in my classes. It's simple and students can easily remember what they drew. My students make vocabulary cards, stat cards on key terms or people (goodness we study lots of people, places, and things) and the students have enjoyed not only their art work on one side, but "who" that person, place,or thing really was/is.
I love reading a unit and seeing the ways that I am already putting to use some of these strategies. Students with learning disabilities really do well well with activities and new vocabulary when they can connect to it. This chapter and resources showed the connection that is crucial for students through text and comprehension, and most importantly, the role that I play in all of this!
I am glad you are finding a silver lining to blogging. Do you think you might try it with your students?
ReplyDeleteMy students love to participate in vocabulary activates during Reader's Workshop. Their favorite is the dictionary scavenger hunt, they really enjoy learning new words and using them in their writing. I'm very impressed at how well they retain the information and uses it in conversation and writing.
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