Semantics: Where to
Begin With Building Vocabulary?
At first ELLs will need to learn basic vocabulary in order to gain conversational aptitude. Much of what kids need to know will be gained through interaction with English speakers. Keep in mind, though, that you are a language teacher and there will be times when direct instruction will be required for words that you may have assumed kids already know (or should be able to figure out on their own). For example, I made the assumption that my college students, many of whom were ELLs, would be familiar with the word house call. No one answered correctly the question about a house call. When I asked them about their responses, they said, “She didn’t call the house,” not realizing that a house call has nothing to do with a telephone. An excellent website for students acquiring basic vocabulary is languageguide.org. A link and description is provided on the Links page.
At first ELLs will need to learn basic vocabulary in order to gain conversational aptitude. Much of what kids need to know will be gained through interaction with English speakers. Keep in mind, though, that you are a language teacher and there will be times when direct instruction will be required for words that you may have assumed kids already know (or should be able to figure out on their own). For example, I made the assumption that my college students, many of whom were ELLs, would be familiar with the word house call. No one answered correctly the question about a house call. When I asked them about their responses, they said, “She didn’t call the house,” not realizing that a house call has nothing to do with a telephone. An excellent website for students acquiring basic vocabulary is languageguide.org. A link and description is provided on the Links page.