The Common Core State Standards define Academic Vocabulary as the words that are traditionally used in academic dialogue and text. Specifically, it refers to words that are not necessarily common or that children would encounter in conversation. These words often relate to other more familiar words that students use. For example, rather than watch, observe. They are also words that help students understand oral directions and classroom instructional dialogue. They help students to comprehend text across different content areas.

How do we build "word lovers" and help our students develop background knowledge and vocabulary? With your team, explore the mentor texts on your table. What words do you find that increase vocabulary and exposure? Chart the words that you find and ways to expose your students to rich text that will increase vocabulary. Think of your instruction...where can you embed some academic vocabulary work?

According to Marzanno, As educators we know there are student factors outside of school, such as home life and childhood experiences, that have a big influence on student success in school. Research has shown that one factor in particular—academic vocabulary—is one of the strongest indicators of how well students will learn subject area content when they come to school.

After reviewing the research on vocabulary and recognizing the importance of vocabulary instruction, Marzano developed a six-step process for teaching academic vocabulary:

• ● Providing a description, explanation, or example of the new term.

• ● Asking students to restate the description, explanation, or example in their

  own words.

• ● Asking students to construct a picture, symbol, or graphic representing the

  term.

• ● Periodically engaging students in activities that help them add to their

  knowledge of terms in their notebooks.

• ● Frequently asking students to discuss the terms with one another.

• ● Regularly involving students in games that allow them to play with terms.

  
  

  The most important piece to building academic vocabulary is exposure to rich text. Allowing students to read, read, read and engage in text that pushes thinking to the next level. Using close reading strategies and context clues to determine meanings of new words and then using these new words in speaking, writing, and daily tasks.