Various Methods for Teaching Vocabulary
Just as with any skill, those who wish to enhance their vocabulary will need to learn how to read, speak, and write properly. Generally, when it comes to teaching vocabulary, you will typically be presented with two options, and these are spelling or phonics. The method that you should use is dependent on your age and skill.
If you are trying to help a first grader improve their vocabulary, you will want to start with phonics. Starting with phonics will allow you to build a strong foundation. The child will gain a deep understanding of phonics, and this will give them the skills they need to start working on spelling.
For older people, improving vocabulary is easier, because most would have already gone through a formal education. For them, it is a matter of reading more, and learning new words. They should also learn how to use these new words in the proper way. For children, learning how to spell is difficult if they do not already have a mastery of phonics.
To teach vocabulary properly, you must have a foundation. The most basic foundation for vocabulary can be called a root. You will want to learn all the basic roots, and once you’ve done this, you can move on to more advanced concepts.
How to Build on the Roots
Once you have gained an advanced knowledge of various roots, you can enhance your vocabulary study. If you don’t master the roots early on, you will have a difficult time with improving your vocabulary. As you are learning the roots, you will want to touch on the vocabulary a bit. It is basically an issue of phonics combined with spelling. When these two factors are developed in conjunction with each other, you have the structure that will allow your vocabulary to become much more impressive. You have also probably heard people talk about the importance of reading.
Reading is the best way to improve your vocabulary, and it is also fun. You will want to be selective in the books you choose to read. While many people enjoy reading fiction books, non-fiction books are much more effective when it comes to enhancing your vocabulary. There are a number of reasons for this. Fiction books will generally be written for the purpose of entertainment.
While they can allow a person to increase their vocabulary much more than someone who doesn’t read, they will not help you as much as non-fiction books. Non-fiction books tend to be written on concepts that are chellenging, and their tone is more formal.
Why Workbooks may not be helpful in Vocabulary Enhancement
A number of teachers have said that they are not impressed with the efficiency of workbooks. The best way for someone to improve their vocabulary is by reading words and using them daily on a regular basis. The student has to be exposed to these words multiple times. There is not guarantee that workbooks can guarantee retention.
If the student fills out the workbook, and they never use it again. it could be argued that the book was not helpful. Even tests have become subject to criticism. Most students will memorize the word before the test, and after they’ve taken it, they will forget about it.
I should note that I’m not trying to imply that studying vocabulary independently will guarantee success. However, improving your vocabulary from the things you read is very important. For example, if you are reading a book that deals with a scientific subject, the definition of various terms should be noted in that book. If you are reading a fiction book, and an uncommon term is used, a definition of that term should be listed. Many authors are now doing this in both fiction and non-fiction books. Placing words within the text increases the chances that the word will be retained.
Conclusion
Retention is one of the most important aspects in improving your vocabulary. It does you no good to learn a new word if you will not be able to remember it.
Tests, workbooks, and reviews are common teaching methods that allow students to learn words for a short period of time, but there is no guarantee that those words will be used once the test, review, or workbook less is complete. To
increase your vocabulary, it is not enough to go through the motions. You must use the words in your everyday speech.
