Almost all students with reading disabilities have difficulty with vocabulary.
Vocabulary is one of the biggest thrusts for secondary students because of the high impact it has on their success in specific academic subjects. Math, Science, History, Geography, etc. All of them have subject-specific vocabulary that can trip students up without a good backbone in how to dissect the words into meaning.
One way to help students learn some of the most essential concepts or vocabulary words is to use a vocabulary matrix. In the matrix, there are five main areas: word, definition, picture, synonyms and antonyms, and sentence. Each of the areas are filled out by the students in student-friendly language. They learn in the synonym/antonym section what the word is and is not, and they can visualize it (picture section).
Once students have completed the matrix, they should have a solid idea of what the word or concept means.
I like to have students use the matrix for more complex ideas or important vocabulary - maybe 5-7 words per week. Then they can use aspects of it for other words as needed.
Thanks for the GREAT reading clues! It sounds like you know a lot about teaching kids with disabilities to read!
ReplyDeleteI love your matrix idea for vocabulary. Thanks for sharing. I am going to try this at school. I have learned so many great things from you and the others in our class. I think I will be addicted to educational blogging, always looking for new ideas and better teaching strategies.
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