How to Teach Academic Vocabularies to Children With Learning Disabilities
Words used often in a particular content area or subject are known as academic vocabulary. Students must first understand the meaning of these words before they can fully grasp the concepts being taught in a particular subject such as science or math. Understanding academic vocabulary is important for completing class assignments and for understanding the questions on standardized tests. Students with learning disabilities can struggle with academic vocabulary. To help them learn, teachers should provide interactive and repetitive vocabulary instruction.
Instructions
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Teach vocabulary in context. Providing students with a list of words to define and memorize is not ideal in any subject. Though it might be beneficial to review vocabulary words in subjects such as reading and social studies before embarking on a new unit, the same is not always true for technical vocabulary for subjects such as science and math. Vocabulary should be taught as the terms become relevant during instruction; otherwise, the words have no real meaning to students.
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Provide examples and explain meaning before giving students a formal definition. Students with learning disabilities often have difficulty comprehending grade-level material, especially when reading it on their own. Students often do not comprehend the definition, so they do not understand the meaning of the word. First explain to students the meaning, repeating the word often during instruction. Use the word in multiple contexts and ask students questions as you do, reiterating the definition.
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Allow students to write their own definitions. Though providing the formal definition can be helpful, it can also prompt students to memorize a group of words instead of understanding the new vocabulary word. When a student creates her own definition, she makes the word meaningful to her.
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Use the Frayer Model for vocabulary instruction. The Frayer Model is a graphic organizer designed to help students deepen their understanding of academic vocabulary. It includes sections for students to list their definition of the word, examples or synonyms, non-examples or antonyms, and characteristics. The vocabulary term is listed in the center. The model can be changed if necessary to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities. At times the non-example section is replaced with a drawing by the student.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dictionary image by Ben Higham from Fotolia.com
