This procedure encourages learners to check the dictionary definition against the context in which a word appears. It also helps learners recall word meanings by associating and connecting the word with an image. PAVEis the acronym of the four parts of the procedure: Predict, Associate, Verify, and Assess.

Learning Outcomes

• Introduce word meanings
• Review word meanings

Implementation

1. Assign each learner a reading passage along with vocabulary words or phrases.
2. As learners encounter each vocabulary word in their reading, have them complete a PAVEgraphic organizer (Click here to access all of our graphic organizer forms).
3. The learner:
   • writes the sentence in which the word is featured
   • writes the word again in isolation
   • writes a predicted definition based on the context sentence (Predict)
   • writes a sentence utilizing the term to show an initial comprehension of the word’s meaning
   • looks up the word in the dictionary and writes its definition (Verify)
   • compares the dictionary’s definition with the sentence that they wrote and, if necessary, writes a new sentence (Assess)
   • draws a visual representation of the word to help them recall its meaning (Associate)