Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Sub-Task 5: Vocabulary

resources

TOOLS

Academic Vocabulary

This link is to the Tennessee Department of Education's academic vocabulary initiative. As noted at its website, "The goal of this project is to provide teachers a list of common terms or phrases aimed at improving vocabulary development of students in Tennessee." Though developed for use by Tennessee teachers, other teachers may find this content helpful with enhancing vocabulary instruction.

Building Academic Vocabulary

This link is to the Oklahoma State Department of Education's academic vocabulary initiative. As noted at its website, "This manual is designed to help school districts or individual schools systematically enhance the academic vocabulary of their students to better prepare them to learn new content in mathematics, science, language arts and social studies."

Student Center Activities Grades K-1

This link to the Florida Center for Reading Research website provides instructional materials for grades K-1 related to developing phonological awareness and building fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. At the site, teachers can download a professional development DVD and access instructional resources. Though intended for Florida teachers, teachers in other states may find the content useful.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Enhancing Emotional Vocabulary in Young Children

This learning module on social emotional learning strategies from the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning explores reading cues from early learners to teach emotional vocabulary.

REFERENCES

Effective Vocabulary Instruction

Authored by Joan Sedita, this article discusses the rationale for effective vocabulary instruction and its affect language and literacy development.

Teaching Vocabulary

This Reading Rockets article explores the dynamics of teaching vocabulary.

The Effects of Vocabulary Intervention on Young Children's Word Learning: A Meta-Analysis

This Review of Educational Research article examines the effects of vocabulary interventions on Pre-K and Kindergarten children's oral language development.

Vocabulary

This link to the University of Oregon's Big Ideas in Beginning Reading website provides information about vocabulary.

Vocabulary Instruction

This link to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development website provides a review of vocabulary instruction reporting on the scientifically-based research supporting vocabulary instruction.