Fisher & Frey: Chapter 3, Vocabulary

          Chapter 3 has really opened my eyes and allowed me to take a little bit deeper look at vocabulary.  There are several stategies and skills that I was never exposed to as a child.  I knew that to really enhance vocabulary, you should have multiple exposures to it, but I had no idea that you could be exposed to it in so many different ways.  One of my favorite self-check tools that the book spoke of was the vocabualry self-awareness chart.  This is an awesome tool!  It allows students to be more independent and check themselves to assess what they know.  Also, it allows students opportunities to improve their knowledge of vocabulary as they learn more.
          In the book, Fisher and Frey advise that students be actively involved, make personal connections, be immersed in vocabulary, and consolidate meaning through multiple information sources.  I think that it is important for students to be allowed to create their own definitions and have exposures to new words.  Also, it is vital for vocabulary to be used and explained in depth in multiple content areas.  For example, many students struggle with terminology in mathematics.  One helpful example would be for students to create math journals.  This way, the students can have the vocabulary word, the definition, and an example of what that concept is in math for future reference or as a study guide.  I think that vocabulary journals would have been very helpful to me in school.  Word walls are another useful element in all classrooms.  They are not only a visual reminder and reference tool for students, they are a way to explore vocabulary and multiple meanings of words.
          One question that I have is how do I inspire children to want to learn vocabulary and keep them interested?  Also, other than providing visuals and resources in their own language, how can I influence ELLs to want to lean new vocabulary and participate in vocabulary activities?