Understanding a text requires grasping the words that convey ideas or concepts and exposing students to these words in various contexts is important. Studies indicate that students acquire vocabulary indirectly more than through direct instruction. Teachers that create information-rich settings, can enhance children's understanding of the world and prepare them for future academic pursuits (Shevchuk, 2023). As stated by Shevchuk (2023), when designing the learning environment, teachers must cater to the diverse needs and abilities of their students. To ensure text is suitable for students' development, educators can provide appropriate choices, as students are more likely to engage with reading that aligns with their interests and is appropriately challenging. Teachers can assess students' abilities and challenges to select materials that best suit their needs.
It is important to choose materials that are suitable for the developmental stage of students to ensure they receive education that matches their level of comprehension and growth. This approach allows children to learn comfortably while still being appropriately challenged. When educators utilize materials that are not developmentally suitable, children might feel frustrated, disengaged, or overwhelmed, which can hinder their learning progress. For instance, for preschoolers, suitable reading materials would consist of simple picture books with a limited number of words per page that are familiar to the child. These books aid children in enhancing their reading abilities at a manageable pace (Answers to: Justify the Importance of Developmentally Appropriate Material in a Grade R Classroom Provide Suitable Example to Support Your Answer ., n.d.). Each student is different, even if they are the same age, therefore the teacher needs to take everyone’s level and abilities into consideration when choosing text for the classroom.
Fun and Learning Through Online Vocabulary Games
There are free online vocabulary games that can boost students' vocabulary skills. These games range from crossword puzzles and picture-word matches to word scrambles and 8 Letters in Search of a Word. Teachers can bookmark these sites for students’ independent practice, serving as a valuable resource for both individual and group learning sessions (Dalton & Grisham, n.d.).
The importance of enhancing vocabulary
Children must expand their vocabulary through language and literacy activities to better understand and create more intricate texts and engage in diverse social interactions.
Emphasizing vocabulary aids in enhancing proficiency in various language and literacy domains, such as decoding (phonemic awareness and phonics), comprehension, and fluency (Vocabulary, 2021).
Adapting the text to suit each student's stage of development establishes a classroom setting where every learner can advance at their own speed, feel empowered in their educational path, and cultivate a deep sense of inclusion and self-assurance. Consequently, this nurtures a positive classroom atmosphere and culture where students are enthusiastic about learning, provide mutual support, and revel in their accomplishments (Whitaker, n.d.).
References
Answers to: Justify the importance of developmentally appropriate material in a grade R classroom provide suitable example to support your answer . (n.d.). Class Ace. https://www.classace.io/answers/justify-the-importance-of-developmentally- appropriate-material-in-a-grade-r-classroom-provide-suitable-example-to-support- your-answer
Dalton, B., & Grisham, D. L. (n.d.). 10 ways to use technology to build vocabulary | Reading Rockets. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/assistive- technology/articles/10-ways-use-technology-build-vocabulary
Erwin, J. C. (2023, December 12). 10 Ways Teachers Can Create a Positive Learning Environment. Free spirit publishing. https://blog.freespiritpublishing.com/ten-ways- teachers-can-create-a-positive-learning-environment
Getting Smart. (2018, August 26). Getting Classroom Culture Right with Practical SEL. https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/08/26/getting-classroom-culture-right-with- practical-sel/
Jones, R. (2020, March 6). How to use online learning to increase student engagement | GoGuardian. https://www.goguardian.com/blog/5-ways-teachers-can-use-online- learning-to-spark-remote-engagement
Shevchuk, K. (2023, November). Information-intensive environment. Bulb. https://www.bulbapp.com/u/information-intensive-environment
Sucan, H. (2022, March 7). Why is an information intensive classroom important for reading development? Little Youserainvid. https://littleyouserainvid.blogspot.com/2022/03/why-is-information-intensive- classroom.html
Vocabulary. (2021, September 14). Education. https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/english/literacy/readingviewing/Pages/litfocusvocab.aspx#:~:text=It%20is%20crucial%20that%20children,comprehension%20of%20increasingly%20complex%20texts.
Whitaker, T. (n.d.). Blog/VLoG - Terry Whitaker. Terry Whitaker. https://www.stemmillennials.com/blog- vlog#:~:text=In%20summary%2C%20an%20information%2Dintensive,control%20of%20their%20learning%20journey.
Comments