How to Use ELL Vocabulary Book Series
Vocabulary words are reinforced through engaging images, patterned text, and structured activities, including matching, grouping, sorting, and cloze. Higher order thinking skills are promoted through dialogue frames and differentiated writing activities. Incorporating vocabulary games into instruction is an engaging way to develop and deepen students’ vocabulary knowledge and acquisition.
Resources that accompany each ELL Vocabulary Book
- Teacher Lesson Plan
- Vocabulary Cards (Picture with Word Cards, Picture-Only Cards, Word-Only Cards, Category Cards)
- Matching Activity Sheet
- Cloze Activity Sheet
- Vocabulary Games Guide
Lesson Sequence
Step 1: Pre-Teach Vocabulary
Introduce the vocabulary and topic using the Vocabulary Cards.
Step 2: Shared Reading
Preview the book. Read the book page by page discussing the repetitive text to build fluency and focusing on the comprehension strategies of using labeled pictures and asking questions.
Step 3: Classify Vocabulary
Have students group and sort Vocabulary Cards according to the categories provided.
Step 4: Partnered Practice and Discussion
Have student pairs discuss and review the vocabulary with the support of the book, Vocabulary Cards, and critical thinking dialogue frames.
Step 5: Independent Practice and Writing
Have students complete the Matching Activity Sheet or Cloze Activity Sheet depending on their language proficiency level. Use the differentiated writing activities to have students apply their new vocabulary knowledge.