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Words, a photo by trs125 on Flickr.

Vocabulary study in the middle school curriculum is crucial to understanding both the curriculum and the texts. However, finding time to devote to full word study during the week can be an exhausting task.

Several years ago our school adopted a school-wide Word Immersion program. The program was based on Robert Marzano's six-step process for learning vocabulary. I really liked the program and saw its potential for students. Unfortunately, most of the other teachers didn't. They saw it as a waste of time and energy, not to mention the number of copies needed each week for the vocabulary notebook.

The process for learning vocabulary has six basic steps:

1. Explain the words to the students giving the definitions, examples, anecdotes related to word, etc.

2. The students then write their own understanding of the words in their Word Immersion notebook.

3. The students then draw a picture or symbol that illustrates their understanding of the word.

4. The students discuss and use the words with each other on a regular basis.

5. The students need to participate in learning activities using the words.

6. The students need to play games with the words and their definitions.

For the past four weeks I have again introduced Word Immersion as part of my weekly curriculum. They each get a handout that has room for four words (preselected by me). I create a PowerPoint for each word and share the information with the students.

The students write the word and their own definition of the word based on my explanation. Then they create an illustration or symbol to represent the word. Afterwards, the students identify antonyms, synonyms, or use the words in sentences or write examples of the words.

On Monday the students will get four new words, and afterwards choose one word from their notebook and create a "Wanted Poster" for their word. 

This has always been a fun learning activity, and I'm always amazed at the creative work that it produces.

Yes, in-depth vocabulary study does take time; but, I think the time and effort are well-worth it.

Melissa