Vocabulary+Cards

=**Vocabulary Cards**=
 * By: Paulina Salais**

**__//What//__ are vocabulary cards?** Vocabulary cards are a type of SDAIE strategy used for learning new words. SDAIE strategies are used to teach all students both language acquisition and subject-matter content. This strategy may be used with English-Only Speakers and English Language Learners. Vocabulary cards can enhance word building and even reading skills.

Vocabulary Cards (example in video)
Front Side: Word and definition Back Side: Picture and Sentence

Vocabulary cards DO NOT have to be presented and used in only one format. Students may personalize their cards by choosing the words that they feel they need extra understanding in or the teacher may prompt the format for the vocabulary cards for a specific unit or reading book.

__//How//__ and //__**When**__// can vocabulary cards used?
Vocabulary cards are used in many different ways. They may be used in any subject and/or any unit. Vocabulary cards may be displayed on a bulletin board or word wall for students references. They may be used during a lesson in which students are learning new words in order to comprehend the main idea. They may also be used as a studying tool for an upcoming spelling/definition/content knowledge test.

__//Why//__ are vocabulary cards used?
Vocabulary cards are used to enhance vocabulary knowledge. They should be used on a daily basis (approximately 10 to 15 minutes per day). This routine will enhance the student's learning experience. Vocabulary cards are also a fun way to learn new words. Students may personalize their vocabulary cards by using drawing/pictures that help them make the connection with the word and the true meaning of the word.

**How do vocabulary cards //__effectively__// work?** (From Peregoy and Boyle) Tierney, Readence, and Dishner (1999) discuss two combined strategies that may be used when assisting students with vocabulary. First, as future teachers we should select words from the reading that we consider to be important in order to understand the main idea of the book or chapter. The student then creates a few sentences using the word to allow the students to predict the meaning of the new words in actual context. As teachers, we may also show our students how to find context clues to aid them in understanding the meaning of new words. For example; looking at headings, subheadings, titles, and most commonly, surrounding words.

How will I, as a future teacher, use vocabulary cards in my classroom?
As a future teacher I will use vocabulary cards in every way presented above. Vocabulary cards will more specifically be used as a practice/studying tool in my classroom. Each of my students will have their own set of vocabulary cards for every unit, book, or large topic we discuss in our class. It will become a routine for them to use these vocabulary cards in their daily lives to aid them in learning new words.

SDAIE STRATEGIES: A Glossary of Instructional Strategies. Retrieved from: http://www.suhsd.k12.ca.us/suh/---suhionline/SDAIE/glossary.html Pekin Public School District. (1996-2003). Vocabulary Activities. Retrieved from: http://www.pekin.net/pekin108/contribute/ataylor/Vocabulary.htm#word Flash Cards: An effective Vocabulary Building Tool. http://www.holdthatword.com/flash-cards-an-effective-vocabulary-building-tool.html
 * References**