Vocabulary and Morphology Article

This article contains a lot of important and great information on the connection between good vocabulary and good readers. Having an expansive vocabulary aids in the decoding of words. It also aids in the use of decoding strategies such as context clues, root words, prefixes, and suffixes. Vocabulary study is important because research shows that there are direct correlations between children who have a healthy vocabulary and their ability to read fluently and comprehend their text adequately.

Root words, prefixes, and suffixes are part of the study of Morphology. Morphology is very important when one is working on ways to broaden and fully establish a well rounded student vocabulary. By understanding the meanings and uses of root words, prefixes, and suffixes, students are able to decode words much more complex than they would be able to without these devices. Cognates are also very helpful, especially for ELL learners. Cognates are words that appear very similar (often are derivations of) in two (or more) languages. These strategies enable learners to dissect a word and extract it’s meaning (or a close simulation thereof).

Exposure to a “healthy diet” of reading materials is an incredibly simple and effective way to increase students (and adults!) vocabulary and help them to begin utlizing some of the tools you are imparting to them. Also Shared readings where these strategies are modeled by the teacher would be very helpful to get students used to looking at words and taking them apart this way to (hopefully ) ascertain their meaning.

Peter & the Starcatchers…& Mr. Grin!

I have spoken about my initial reaction to this book in previous posts, but, again…initially, I was exasperated by this book. I don’t know why. Maybe my love for the original Peter Pan made me prejudice, or maybe I just wasn’t in a Peter Pan pirate mood… Now, having finished the book…I am sooooo loving it! I’m impatiently waiting for a spare moment to read the sequels. Series are so amazing…all books should have to be in a series!

I think the real turning point for me was Mr. Grin. (I love how Mr. Grin sounds in my ears!)  What a GLORIOUS name…Mr. Grin…it just makes me happy!  That whole section on what would become “Neverland” really drew me in. What was great was that I knew the story of Peter Pan, so I knew what each character would become and where they’re going! I felt like an “insider” reading this story. I knew who characters were before they were named (obviously, it’s because I’m a psychic genius!). Another tid bit of personal feeling I would like to share is that I was sooooooo waiting (as soon as Mr. Grin was introduced) for Hook/ Black Stache’s hand to come off! I was anticipating it with excitement that borders on creepiness. And what about that ticking clock? When does that come in, because that was one of my favorite things about Peter Pan. Why am I going to read the other books, because I have to, that’s why! That was both a brilliant and low-down move on Barry and Pearson’s part. Now I’m “hooked” and I have no choice….Sneaky little devils.

If I felt knowledgeable and empowered by reading this book, I KNOW students will. Aside from the obvious pirate information (like ship vocabulary, traditional pirate jobs, ect.) this book was fascinating because of all the complex literary issues. Multiple perspectives, characters who have different names from the ones we know, and fast paced action sequences make this book more difficult to follow than many of the texts children would be exposed to (I always get lost in action sequences). The writing, however, eases that burden and exposes children to a complexity of thinking and writing that is important and invaluable.

So, in closing, Mr.Grin, Mr. Grin, Mr. Grin, Mr. Grin, Mr. Grin

Mr. Grin

Vocabulary Instruction

Again with the wow! I knew vocabulary was important, but I had no idea how in depth and meaty the concept was. The way I learned how to speak and write was through reading. The books I read exposed me to vocabulary I wouldn’t normally be exposed to in everyday conversation, but I suppose the understanding I have of the vocabulary is generally limited, and vague at best. Perhaps if the teachers that I had in elementary school had understood the complexity and importance of rich vocabulary study, I’d be more eloquent and well spoken. I had no concept of the fact that I was only skimming the surface of what most words mean, or how I could use them.

Words are amazing…they’re fun! It’s so exciting to learn a new word and add it into your vocabulary! I know as an adult, it excites me to learn new words, so children must feel like they’re discovering uncharted waters. As teachers, why don’t we use that motivation to expand our children’s verbal repertoire? Knowing too many words is NEVER a problem!

Also, I love the text structure strategies. As we’ve been using some of them in class, i’ve really noticed how important pointing text out to children is. I’ve also noticed just how far a shared reading can move a child forward! When I see these things practiced in front of me, they seem so obvious, but i’ve never seen any other teacher apply any of these strategies…it’s such a shame. We’ll break the trend!

My biggest hope is that I can grasp all of the vocabulary study information we’ve been given…my biggest fear is that i’m going to screw this up.