Accessible Vocabulary & Syntax
Overview
Teachers support language development by using and providing vocabulary and syntax that is appropriately leveled (e.g. using short, simple sentences for young students). When teachers incorporate challenging but accessible math words in their daily instruction, they create a contextual environment for students to practice, apply, and grow their Language Skills. Knowledge of mathematical vocabulary is specifically linked to success with word problem solving and is especially valuable for students whose Primary Language is not English.
Example: Use This Strategy in the Classroom
Watch how this first grade teacher models vocabulary in her instruction in addition to using an interactive word wall. By slowing her speech and adding hand gestures, she highlights complex vocabulary and provides the opportunity for students to try to incorporate them into their own language.
Design It into Your Product
Additional Resources
Additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
Factors Supported by this Strategy
More Teacher Modeling & Support Strategies
Content that is provided in clear, short chunks can support students' Working Memory.
Building positive and trusting relationships with learners allows them to feel safe; a sense of belonging; and that their academic, cognitive, and social and emotional needs are supported.
Teaching students how to label, identify, and manage Emotion helps them learn Self-regulation skills.
Actively and authentically encouraging all students to seek support, ask questions, and advocate for what they believe in creates a safe space for risk-taking and skill development and supports a Sense of Belonging.
Teachers can help students understand that learning involves effort, mistakes, and reflection by teaching them about their malleable brain and modeling their own learning process.
Providing feedback that focuses on the process of developing skills conveys the importance of effort and motivates students to persist when learning.
By talking through their thinking at each step of a process, teachers can model what learning looks like.
Teachers sharing math-to-self, math-to-math, and math-to-world connections models this schema building.
Maintaining consistent classroom routines and schedules ensures that students are able to trust and predict what will happen next.
Providing students a voice in their learning is critical for making learning meaningful.
Wait time, or think time, of three or more seconds after posing a question increases how many students volunteer and the length and accuracy of their responses.
