1. Context & Audience:
* Subject Matter: The words should be relevant to the topic being taught.
* Grade Level: Consider the reading and comprehension levels of your students. Avoid words that are too complex or too simple.
* Learner Needs: Are there specific vocabulary gaps or challenges within your student population?
2. Tiered Vocabulary:
* Tier 1: Basic words known by most native speakers (e.g., happy, run, eat). These are usually not the focus of explicit vocabulary instruction.
* Tier 2: High-frequency words used across multiple academic disciplines (e.g., analyze, evidence, synthesize). These are essential for understanding academic texts and should be prioritized.
* Tier 3: Content-specific words that are specific to a particular subject area (e.g., photosynthesis, igneous rock, metaphor). These are important for understanding the specific content but may not be as widely used in other subjects.
3. Frequency and Importance:
* How often are the words used? Choose words that are frequently encountered in reading materials and academic discussions.
* How crucial are the words to understanding the subject matter? Focus on words that are essential for comprehension, not just interesting or unusual words.
4. Teach for Transfer:
* Select words that will have a lasting impact. Choose words that can be used in a variety of contexts, both within and beyond the classroom.
* Teach the words in a meaningful way. Connect the words to students' prior knowledge and experiences, and provide opportunities for them to use the words in speaking, writing, and reading.
5. Strategies for Choosing:
* Word Lists: Use established word lists, such as the Academic Word List or the Fry's Instant Words, as a starting point.
* Text Analysis: Analyze the reading materials you'll be using and identify key vocabulary words.
* Student Assessment: Pre-assess students to identify vocabulary gaps.
* Collaboration: Work with colleagues to share vocabulary lists and best practices.
6. Examples:
* High School English: analyze, synthesize, theme, imagery, figurative language, evidence, argument
* Middle School Science: organism, ecosystem, photosynthesis, respiration, adaptation, evolution
* Elementary School Math: sum, difference, product, quotient, area, perimeter, volume
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to vocabulary instruction. The best vocabulary words are those that are relevant, important, and accessible to your students.