Science Vocabulary Solutions

Are you tired of using the Frayer Model? That’s what I hear from a lot of teachers and I agree! While the Frayer Model has its advantages, using it as your only source of vocabulary instruction may not “stick” with all students. Here are some ways to bring a little more excitement and creativity to science vocabulary instruction.

1. Word Drawings- These are vocab words written in a way that helps show what they mean. This is a great activity for your “outside of the box” thinkers. {Learn more at Texas Teacher Round-up.}

2. Whole Brain Teaching- I WISH I could show you video of my students using Whole Brain Teaching, but I don’t have parent permission. There are many videos on YouTube where you can watch how students engage their muscles and their minds to remember information.

3. Interactive Computer Games- While students are being “quizzed” on vocabulary, they will be using the terms in different ways. {See some for grades 3-6}

4. Science Vocabulary Folders- My students keep a vocabulary folder record of all of the important terms learned throughout the year.{Learn more and download a freebie.}

5. Parade- This looks like a really great project that will help students REALLY remember what words mean. {See the pin.}

6. Vocabulary Demos- This year, I started using vocabulary demonstrations with my small groups who need extra reinforcement. We discuss and do a demonstration for each idea. Then, each student records a diagram for the term. {Learn more about Matter vocab demos.}

7. Concept Map- Thinking about how terms are connected is much deeper than simply defining the terms. You can do this easily by writing some terms on index cards. In groups, students determine how the terms are connected then explain their reasons aloud or on paper. They might also write on the arrows to show the connections.

8. CLOZE- If you’re unfamiliar with this, it’s a fancy term for “fill in the blank”. This vocabulary strategy works particularly well with my English Language Learners and special education students.

9. Vocabulary Mural- This can be used for terms or concepts. My students created one when I assessed their prior knowledge before beginning our unit on slow changes to Earth’s surface.

10. Acrostics- Acrostics stretch kids’ thinking. This is one of my top strategies to use for notebook reflections in small groups. {Learn more and download a freebie.}

I hope you enjoy these strategies! Looking for an effective method to introduce vocabulary? Start here.

Original article and pictures take http://thesciencepenguin.com/2013/12/science-solutions-vocabulary.html site