Suggestions for structuring a classroom spelling program are offered, focusing on three major components: personal spelling lists, word study and vocabulary extension, and studying and mastering the core vocabulary of written English. The 300 most frequent words in New Zealand primary writing and the 100 most often misspelled words are listed.…

Investigates the effects of teaching text-specific vocabulary on eighth graders' comprehension of expository text and their ability to make causal connections. Finds that vocabulary instruction prior to reading improves comprehension, regardless of the student's reading ability and that text-specific vocabulary instruction improves subjects'…

Describes a sentence expansion technique found to be an effective and motivating way to teach sentence structure and vocabulary to elementary school students. (SR)

Describes a way to enliven vocabulary lessons by combining them with two effective teaching strategies--cooperative learning and story development by students. (SR)

The Rapid Automatized Naming Test was studied cross sectionally in a sample of kindergartners (n=342) at risk for reading disability and longitudinally in an epidemiologically normal sample of children (n=160). Findings indicate the absolute color/object naming speed was strongly related to reading level and vocabulary across grades. (Author/CR)

A study involving three adolescents with mental retardation investigated the efficacy of videotaped instruction for acquisition and generalization of functional sight words used in a community grocery store. Results indicate the intervention was effective in fostering acquisition of functional words in the classroom, as well as generalization to…

Describes total physical response storytelling, which provides the critical vehicle--storytelling--for utilizing and expanding vocabulary. High-interest stories contextualize the vocabulary, enabling students to hear and see a story and then to act out, revise, and rewrite. A brief outline of the sequence of steps for using TPR storytelling in…

Students' approaches to vocabulary learning were surveyed in two distinct learning environments: one in which English was studied as a second language (ESL), and another where it was a foreign language (EFL). A questionnaire was administered to 47 ESL and 43 EFL students about their vocabulary-learning activities. Cluster analysis identified eight…

Examines traditional techniques for teaching second-language vocabulary and compares them with the use of language games for vocabulary presentation and revision to determine which approach is more successful. (Author/VWL)

The focus of this article is on the role of lexicon-internal links in the development of second-language vocabulary knowledge. The study examines the role of the links in vocabulary learning by beginning learners of Korean as a second language. (Author/JL)

Studies the effectiveness of the keyword method of learning vocabulary employed by students with limited English proficiency (LEP). Finds this method appears to be effective in helping LEP students to recall word definitions rapidly and efficiently, to comprehend sentences, and to retain vocabulary learning over a one-week period. (NH)

Describes a computer assisted word acquisition program (CAVOCA) that tries to operationalize current theoretical thinking about second language vocabulary acquisition. Its contents are based on a systematic inventory of the vocabulary relevant for the target group. To test its efficacy, the program was contrasted in a number of experimental…

Broadens some of the techniques that assist teachers in the direct instruction of vocabulary development. Presents strategies that experienced teachers have used but may have forgotten. Encourages teachers to take a new refreshing look at vocabulary skills that can assist teachers in developing a balanced reading program as they foster vocabulary…

Argues that regular homophone practice enhances vocabulary knowledge, spelling skills, pronunciation ability, and overall reading proficiency. Describes how card games played with decks of homophones helped to accomplish these things. Notes particular benefits of homophone games to English-as-a-second-language students, and outlines key advantages…

Focuses on the origin and history of Guignol, including the classic repertoire and its character types, and on suggested techniques for teaching with the authentic Guignol in the French classroom. Guignol can be used effectively in the classroom because the French teacher-marionnettiste has only to improvise the scenarios according to the needs of…