Closing the Vocabulary Gap

Synopsis

As teachers grapple with the challenge of a new, bigger and more challenging school curriculum, at every key stage and phase, success can feel beyond our reach. But what if there were 50,000 small solutions to help us bridge that gap?

In Closing the Vocabulary Gap, the author explores the increased demands of an academic curriculum and how closing the vocabulary gap between our 'word poor' and 'word rich' students could prove the vital difference between school failure and success.

This must-read book presents the case for teacher-led efforts to develop students' vocabulary and provides practical solutions for teachers across the curriculum, incorporating easy-to-use tools, resources and classroom activities.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Magnitude of the Vocabulary Gap

* Describes the vast vocabulary divide between students from affluent and disadvantaged backgrounds.
* Example: Data shows that a typical middle-class three-year-old knows 430 words, while a low-income three-year-old knows only 60 words.

Chapter 2: Decoding and the Vocabulary Gap

* Explores the role of decoding (reading words) in vocabulary development.
* Example: Students who struggle with decoding are less likely to read widely, which limits their vocabulary exposure.

Chapter 3: Direct Vocabulary Instruction

* Emphasizes the importance of explicit vocabulary instruction, including definitions, synonyms, and context.
* Example: Teachers can use flashcards or word walls to introduce new words and discuss their meanings.

Chapter 4: Oral Language and Vocabulary Development

* Highlights the connection between oral language and vocabulary.
* Example: Engaging students in discussions, having them retell stories, and providing opportunities for presenting information fosters vocabulary growth.

Chapter 5: Reading and Vocabulary

* Examines the role of reading in vocabulary development.
* Example: Encourage students to read widely, provide access to diverse texts, and model good reading strategies.

Chapter 6: Tiered Vocabulary

* Introduces the concept of tiered vocabulary (Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 words).
* Example: Tier 1 words are common (e.g., "dog"), Tier 2 words are less common and found in academic texts (e.g., "canine"), and Tier 3 words are highly specialized or rare (e.g., "cynology").

Chapter 7: Teaching Tier 2 and Tier 3 Words

* Provides specific strategies for teaching and assessing Tier 2 and Tier 3 words.
* Example: Morphological analysis (breaking down words into prefixes, suffixes, and roots) can help students understand unfamiliar vocabulary.

Chapter 8: Vocabulary in the Content Areas

* Discusses the importance of teaching vocabulary within the context of different academic subjects.
* Example: Science teachers can introduce vocabulary related to ecosystems and chemistry, while history teachers can introduce terms related to historical events and figures.

Chapter 9: Technology and Vocabulary

* Explores the use of technology to support vocabulary development.
* Example: Online games and apps can provide interactive and engaging platforms for vocabulary practice.

Chapter 10: Vocabulary Assessment

* Describes methods for assessing vocabulary knowledge, including receptive and expressive measures.
* Example: Vocabulary logs can help track students' vocabulary progress and identify areas for improvement.