Hello Ranchlands School Community!
Building Vocabulary
The challenge to learn English for an English language student is twofold: they must learn both the language of instruction while learning grade level curriculum at the same time. To add to this, English language students are often also acculturating to a new way of life. The challenge of all three simultaneously requires much encouragement and support at both school and home.
The key to learning any language is to build one’s vocabulary, both everyday words and words specific to different domains. English language learners are constantly exposed to new vocabulary words at school. It takes time and repeated use of these words in a variety of ways and contexts to make them one’s own.
As a parent of an English language student, you too many be learning English alongside your child. This is a excellent opportunity to work together! Here are some helpful tips to build vocabulary at home using a vocabulary journal.
Vocabulary Journal
Have your child create and maintain a vocabulary journal at home to keep track of new words that are introduced in the classroom. You can help with vocabulary acquisition by having your child:
- Review the words by practicing both the spelling and definition
- Practice writing sentences or stories with the vocabulary words as they are added
- Use the words to play literacy games such as unscramble the word or charades
- Draw pictures to go along with the vocabulary words for picture/word association
