Improving verbal ability is crucial for a child's overall academic success and communication skills. Vocabulary intervention programs are designed to expand a child's word knowledge, not just by memorising words but by deeply understanding their meanings and uses. Good programs deepen word knowledge. Instead of simply memorising words, students learn about word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in different contexts. As children expand their vocabulary, they become more adept at forming complex sentences, understanding nuanced language, and participating in discussions. With a stronger vocabulary, children are more likely to participate in classroom discussions and writing tasks, feeling more confident in their abilities.
Programs like Word Aware focus on investigative approaches that engage students in exploring words, their meanings, and how they fit into different contexts. This method is more effective than traditional rote memorisation, as it encourages active learning and application.
Word aware
Word Aware is a structured program that focuses on vocabulary development through investigation and discovery. It includes activities that make learning new words fun and engaging, helping students to retain and use them effectively.
This method is more effective than traditional rote memorisation, as it encourages active learning and application. See this article for more details.
Age ranges
Word Aware is typically aimed at students aged 5 to 11 (Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2) in primary schools. It can be used effectively from Year 1 (age 5-6) through to Year 6 (age 10-11).
The program is also adaptable for use in secondary schools, particularly for students in Key Stage 3 (ages 11 to 14, Years 7 to 9).
Key Features of Word Aware
Active Learning Approach:
Instead of simply memorising words, Word Aware encourages students to actively explore word meanings. For example, students might investigate the word "enormous" by discussing synonyms like "huge" or "gigantic", then use it in sentences to understand its use in different contexts.
Multi-Sensory Activities:
Word Aware engages students through various activities, making learning more memorable. For example, a teacher might use a word-matching game where students pair new vocabulary words with their definitions, or create a "word wall" where students can see, touch, and interact with key vocabulary throughout the week.
Focus on Application:
Students are encouraged to apply new words in real-life scenarios. For instance, after learning the word "persuade", students could role-play a conversation where they try to persuade a friend to agree with them, helping them understand both meaning and context.