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.

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