An approach to vocabulary where students select meaningful and challenging words they would like to learn in order to promote discussion.

Understanding how to analyze a word’s structure using prefixes, roots, and suffixes. This structural analysis helps students to understand the definition of a word and determine the definition of unknown words when reading.

A fixed design that is a slight variation from a Semantic Map. A focus word is placed inside of an oval and then several questions are raised about this new word. The questions may be given by the teacher or the students. Each new question is placed inside an oval

A graphic organizer that helps students to make predictions about characteristics related to a word, to sort by qualities, and to set a purpose for their reading and researching.

A strategy that provides an overview of a root word and the words that can come from that root.

A type of context clue that gives a description of mood related to the word in order to help students understand the unknown word’s meaning.

A type of context clue that gives a common-sense link to an unknown word.

When students learn new vocabulary words and expand their understanding of current words by reading widely, engaging in discussions, having a variety of experiences, and using technology.

A type of context clue that provides a picture or model for the meaning of a word.

A type of context clue that ties an unknown word to a known word or group of words.