Language and Vocabulary PRAXIS 240

students’ ability to effectively know and use words in their listening, speaking, reading, and writing

vocabulary development

the smallest unit of language that carries its own meaning or grammatical function

morphemes

morphemes that can stand alone as independent words with their own meaning

free morphemes

morphemes that cannot stand alone and must be attached to another word (a root or base) to convey meaning or form a valid word

bound morphemes

what are the bound morphemes

• prefixes

• affixes

students use word parts, known as morphemes to determine a word’s meaning

structural or morphemic analysis

students treat the surrounding text as a clue, using it to determine the meaning of a word

contextual analysis

literal meaning of a word

denotation

implied meaning of a word

connotation

requires explicit instruction to ensure deep comprehension and long-term retention

academic vocabulary

• pre-teaching

• graphic organizers

• vocabulary notebooks

evidence-based strategies for effective, direct vocabulary teaching

introducing words before reading builds ____ and reducescognitive load during reading

schema

students visually connect and internalize word meanings

graphic organizers

Students visually map relationships among related words and concepts, deepening their understanding of a word's meaning and connections.

semantic mapping

students explore vocabulary by defining the word, listing key characteristics, giving examples, and identifying non-examples

frayer models

Display high-utility and subject-specific vocabulary prominently in the classroom. Organize words thematically or categorically.

word walls

Before reading, students place each target word in the center of a web. As they encounter the word in context, they add associated ideas, phrases, or synonyms around it, reinforcing word meaning through contextual cues.

word webs

Students maintain personal notebooks where they record new vocabulary, definitions in their own words, sample sentences, synonyms/antonyms, and illustrations. Journals can make vocabulary learning more individualized and reflective.

vocabulary notebooks

• foster rich oral language experiences

• read aloud regularly

• encourage independent reading

implicit instruction through exposure instead of direct teaching

Create frequent opportunities for students to listen to and engage in conversations—especially with adults and fluent speakers–for authentic exposure to sophisticated language.

foster rich oral language experiences

Read aloud to students across all grade levels to model fluent reading and expose them to complex language. Pause periodically to discuss unfamiliar words and clarify meaning through context and discussion.

read aloud regularly

Provide students with access to high-quality, appropriately leveled texts across a range of genres.

encourage independent reading

the study of word form in a language

morphology

the bases to which affixes may be attached. They provide the core meaning of a word.

roots

prefixes and suffxes

categories of affixes

comes before the root of the word

prefix

comes after the root of a word

suffix

alters the meaing or part of speech of a word

derivational affix

alters the form of the word; typically does not change the part of the speech

inflectional affix

common phrases or expression with a figurative meaning

idioms

the placement of the given word

syntactic/semantic clues

• 650-1100 CE

• earliest known version of the English language

• germanic roots

• limited vocabulary

• not intelligible to modern English speakers

Old English

• 1100-1500

• regional dialects

• french and latin influences

• The Canterbury Tales

• standardization increases after the 1439 invention of the printing press

middle english

A major linguistic change during the late Middle Ages (1400 - 1700) where long vowel sounds shifted upwards in pronunciation, and some consonants also changed. Thought to be caused by social, cultural, and linguistic factors, including population movement, dialect mixing after The Black Death, and French influence.

the great vowel shift

• 1500-1800 CE

• further standardization

• influenced by the Renaissance

• expanded vocabulary

early modern english

• 1800-present

• expanded vocabulary

• standardization of grammar and spelling

• global spread

• emergence of American English

late modern English

• 1990-present

• diverse influences

• simplified spelling

• innovative vocabulary

• technological influence

• gender-neutral pronouns

contemporary american english

the form of a language spoken by a specific group in a region

dialect

the everyday language used by the common people in their daily lives

vernacular

the standards present in a language's conventions (spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and emphasis)

orthography

typically develop in countries where English is widely used as a second language or becomes more prominently used than the country's native language

non-native varieties of english

the complete vocabulary of language

lexicon

The conventions for writing in a language, including spelling, punctuation, capitalization, hyphenation, emphasis, and word breaks.

orthography

the meaning of the words associated with a language

semantics

• social

• cultural

• ethnic

• religious

• historical

• regional

• gender

• linguistic

• technological

influences on language

written or spoken English that follows all grammatical rules and is spelled and pronounced according to the most widely accepted norms.

standard english

linguistic behavior in which individuals change how they speak according to their audience.

code-switching

• background knowledge

• pacing

• complexity

• scaffolding

aspects I must consider when planning for differentiation

• different texts depending on skill level and/or student interest

• variation in length and difficulty of independent practice

• flexible grouping

• varied work assignments

• student choice

types of differentiation

Create groups that focus on students' learning needs or interests, and alternate groups frequently

flexible grouping