Effective Vocabulary Instruction for the Struggling Reader

Cecilia A. Hicks

Yesterday afternoon tutors statewide participated in a virtual training facilitated by Cecilia A. Hicks, of Florida State College at Jacksonville, on effective vocabulary instruction for struggling adult readers.  Below, Cecilia Hicks provides a synopsis of the training, and other helpful hints for tutors and teachers.

Vocabulary refers to knowledge of word meanings. We’ve discovered that there are two types of vocabularies used:

1. oral – words we can use and understand in speaking and listening
2. reading – the store of words we recognize and understand in print

The reader cannot understand the writer’s message unless they understand the meanings of most of the words. Who needs vocabulary instruction? Everyone at varying reading levels benefit from this vital component of the reading process. There are several research- and evidence-based strategies and activities tutors can use.  Here is a list of some of these strategies.

1. Using direct vocabulary instruction can include pre-teaching the words in instructional text. Teach the meaning of the word before the reading of the text.
2. Be sure the learner uses the word through projects, employment, etc…
3. Make the learning relevant to the learner.
4. Teach how prefixes and suffixes can change the meaning and function of base words.
5. Use context clues
6. Teach the learner how to use a dictionary and thesaurus.

Several websites that I use often and modify as necessary include:

• www.rhlschool.com
• www.englishforeveryone.org
• www.englishonline.co.uk
• www.tlsbooks.com
• www.skillsworkshop.org

A  final note: remember the learning style of your adult learner and try to incorporate something for everyone during your teaching or tutoring session.

This training was a collaborative learning event brought to you by the Florida Adult Literacy Resource Center, a program of the Florida Literacy Coalition. This training was made possible through the support of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Career and Adult Education.

Did you participate in yesterday’s training?  Let us know your thoughts; leave your comments in the box below!

Don’t Miss FLC’s Virtual Tutor/Teacher Trainings

FLC is offering TWO virtual tutor/teacher trainings this month.  These trainings are free; participants need to have telephone and internet access simultaneously to participate.  Click here to read the presenters’ bios. These training sessions are specifically designed to assist literacy tutors and teachers.

TRAINING 1

• Training Topic: Strategic Reading Instruction to Improve Comprehension for Struggling Reader
• Date: June 22
• Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. 
• Instructor: Iris Strunc, Northwest Florida State College
• Description: Although many school hours are devoted to reading instruction, many students simply do not understand what they read.  This training will explain how strategic analysis of text can help focus struggling readers on the text and task in front of them.  Participants will be shown specific comprehension strategies using highlighters, post-it notes and index cards to assist ineffective readers to analyze and comprehend text better.  

 TRAINING 2

• Training Topic: Effective Vocabulary Instruction for the Struggling Adult Learner
• Date: June 30
• Time: 12:00-1:30 p.m.
• Instructor: Cecilia A. Hicks, Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Description: Many adult learners struggle with reading for a variety of reasons. This workshop will explore several of these reasons and offer instructors  research-  and evidence-based solutions to this literacy dilemma. The primary focus of this training will be on vocabulary development. Participants will leave with proven strategies and activities designed to foster vocabulary development in the adult learner.

HOW IT WORKS

Participate from the comfort of your own home or office.  All you need is a telephone and access to the Internet. We will send you a toll-free number and web address (URL) when you register. On the evening of the workshop, you simply join the conference call and go to the web site which will allow you to access the slide show. 

Register today! 

Questions?  Contact Yari Payne at payney@floridaliteracy.org or (407) 246-7110 ext. 203. 

These trainings are collaborative learning events brought to you by the Florida Adult Literacy Resource Center, a program of the Florida Literacy Coalition. These trainings are made possible through the support of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Career and Adult Education.