Vocabulary

Connect oral vocabulary to words in print (RL.3.4), (L.3.5)

• Identify, explain, and use figurative and descriptive language

Determine the relationships among words (RI.3.4), (L.3.5)

• Draw and use semantic maps and organizers to convey word relations
• Categorize words hierarchically
• Identify and use idioms, homophones, and homographs in context¹

Use context to determine word meaning (L.3.4)

• Use context within and beyond a sentence to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words

Apply common affixes and roots to determine word meaning (L.3.4)

• Identify the meaning of and use words with the suffixes “–ion,” “tion,” and “sion”
• Identify the meaning of and use words with the affixes such as “im-“ (“into”), “non-,” “dis-,” “in-“ (“not,” “non”), “pre-,” “-ness,” “-y,” and “–ful”

English learner and bilingual footnotes

¹ Realizing the number of homophones that exist in English is important for ELs, particularly for those whose native language contains few or no homophones (e.g., Spanish).

Connect oral vocabulary to words in print (RI.2.4; L.2.4)

• Use new vocabulary in speaking and writing

Determine the relationships among words (L.2.5)

• Classify and categorize related words into groups
• Identify and use antonyms in context

Use context to determine word meanings (L.2.4)

• Distinguish multiple-meaning words and apply the appropriate definition to a context

Apply common affixes and roots to determine word meaning (L.2.4)

• Identify and explain how adding the affixes “un-,” “re-,” “-ly,” “-er,” and “-est” change the meaning of a root or base word¹

Use resources to determine the meaning and pronunciation of an unfamiliar word (L.2.2; L.2.4)

• Use a standard dictionary or multimedia resource to find words

English learner and bilingual footnotes

¹ Many of these morphemes have direct equivalents in Spanish.

Connect oral vocabulary to words in print (RI.1.4; L.1.4)

• Read with understanding grade-appropriate oral vocabulary words that appear in print
• Use newly-learned vocabulary when talking about text

Determine the relationships among words (L.1.5)

• Identify and use synonyms

Use context to determine word meanings (L.1.4)

• Make inferences about the meaning of a word based on its use in a sentence with adult assistance

Apply common affixes and roots to determine word meaning (L.1.4)

• Identify and explain how adding the affixes “-s,” “-ed,” and “–ing” change the meaning of a root or base word

Use resources to determine the meaning and pronunciation of an unfamiliar word (NA)

• Use a picture dictionary or digital resource to find words¹

English learner and bilingual footnotes

¹ ELs’ use of dictionaries should be carefully and explicitly taught and monitored. Successful dictionary use requires a great deal of linguistic knowledge about grammatical categories, multiple meanings, related words, and appropriate uses.

Connect oral vocabulary to words in print (L.K.5; L.K.6)

• Name pictures of common concepts and, with adult assistance, match the pictures to the words in print

Determine the relationships among words (L.K.5)

• Identify and sort pictures of common words into basic categories such as colors, sizes, shapes, textures, opposites, and locations
• Identify and use words that name actions, directions, positions, and sequences

Use context to determine word meanings (NA)¹

• Use illustrations and texts the student is able to read or hear to learn or clarify word meanings

English learner and bilingual footnotes

¹ Teaching vocabulary learning strategies at the beginning stages of literacy development is particularly important for ELs.