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.