simple ways to improve vocabulary
Kids who have a DLD (Developmental language disorder) can struggle to learn and use as many vocabulary words as their peers. But how do we teach a large enough variety of words thoroughly enough so that kids actually understand them? Researchers are trying to figure this out.
Two recent studies used different methods and found promising results. One study used retrieval training for preschoolers and kindergarteners with language difficulties. Children were asked to remember the meanings and words of target words through stories and pictures. After 15 sessions, most kids showed a significant increase in their knowledge of these words. The drawback to this study was that this method limited the number of words the kids were exposed to, and it was hard to implement some of them in the real world.
The second study focused on upper elementary students and suggested that moderately rich vocabulary instruction, with exposure to 12 words on only six meaningful occasions, led to significant gains in vocabulary for 4th and 5th graders with reading disabilities. Plus, this study was done using teachers and students in real classes, which makes the application seem a little easier for those of us in the field.
These studies aim to find a balance between teaching a variety of words (breadth) and ensuring a deep understanding of each word (depth). However you method, it’s good to remember that focusing on variety and understanding of vocabulary words can have a big impact.
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