Morphology

Vocabulary Instruction Framework

• Research-based framework for vocabulary instruction promotes structured learning and development of interconnected knowledge.

• Effective for building vocabulary through a deep understanding of words, phrases, and sentences.

• Authors like Bowers emphasize the importance of this instructional approach.

Understanding Language Structure

• Importance of phonology: the sound structure of language is processed in the brain.

• Phonological awareness is vital for decoding written language.

• Knowledge of prefixes and suffixes strengthens vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension.

• Effective literacy instruction integrates various skills and does not teach them in isolation.

Structured Literacy

• Defined as:

  • Structured: Organized framework for teaching.

  • Systematic: Follows a planned sequence.

  • Multisensory: Engages multiple senses in learning.

  • Cumulative: Builds upon previously learned skills.

• Benefits all students, including those with disabilities.

• Natural language development occurs in spoken language but requires explicit teaching in written language.

IES Practice Guide Strategies

• Decoding Multisyllabic Words: Two main strategies to assist in comprehension:

  • Recognizing Components: Understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words facilitates recognition and meaning.

  • Using Orthography: Knowledge of written language, focusing on vowel sounds within words helps determine syllable structure.

  • Understanding that each vowel sound typically creates a syllable aids in word recognition.

Syllable Types and their Importance

• Closed Syllables: Contain a vowel followed by a consonant, resulting in a short vowel sound.

• Open Syllables: End with a vowel, often resulting in a long vowel sound, but can vary.

• Vowel Teams/Diphthongs: Groups of vowels that create a single sound need flexibility in teaching.

• Bossy R (Vowel R): Determines vowel sound when followed by an 'r', affecting pronunciation.

• Consonant L-E Syllables: Always found at the end of multisyllabic words, needs to be learned explicitly.

Instructional Principles for Syllabication

• Find and highlight vowel sounds to determine the number of syllables in a word.

• Break words based on the presence of consonants between vowels.

• Acknowledge the importance of consonant blends and diagraphs within syllables.

• Use explicit instruction in identifying syllable types to help students decode unfamiliar words.

• Integrate oral and written forms in instruction to reinforce understanding across language arts.

Application in Various Subjects

• English Language Arts: Use explicit instruction in morphemes to help with vocabulary and text comprehension.

• Math: Understanding formal math vocabulary improves overall math performance, requiring precision in language use.

• Science: Vocabulary such as "seismograph" requires knowledge of syllabic structure and contextual definitions to aid comprehension.

Student-Centered Learning Activities

• Allow students to create and explore words through matrices and word-building games.

• Emphasize discovery learning and relate vocabulary to students' experiences and context.

• Use visual aids and other modalities to deepen understanding.

• Encourage collaborative sharing of insights about word morphology, encouraging creative thinking.