Building Background Knowledge
Critical Content Overview and Word Lists
by Sean Dunphy
September 20, 2008
In an effort to close achievement gaps and accelerate the learning for all students, Lewis Central Middle School staff are continuing with the use of a strategy to intentionally focus on some critical vocabulary terms in each content area. The lists represent the most important words for future academic success in each curricular area. The lists DO NOT represent the full depth and breadth of our curriculum - rather they are the most central to the content areas.
Each LCMS student keeps an archive notebook of all Critical Content Vocabulary in their Homerooms, and is asked to keep it up to date and organized.
The specific strategy used to strengthen understanding of these critical terms is grounded in 8 research-based characteristics of effective vocabulary instruction:
- Characteristic 1: Effective vocabulary instruction does not rely on definitions.
- Characteristic 2: Students must represent their knowledge of words in linguistic and nonlinguistic ways.
- Characteristic 3: Effective vocabulary instruction involves the gradual shaping of word meanings through multiple exposures.
- Characteristic 4: Teaching word parts enhances students� understanding of terms.
- Characteristic 5: Different types of words require different types of instruction.
- Characteristic 6: Students should discuss the terms they are learning.
- Characteristic 7: Students should play with words.
- Characteristic 8: Instruction should focus on terms that have a high probability of enhancing academic success.
The entire staff has been trained and is using the following 6 Steps to Effective Vocabulary Instruction with the critical content in their curricular area:
- The teacher provides a description, explanation, or example of a new term.
- Students restate the explanation in their own words.
- Students create a nonlinguistic representation of the term.
- Students periodically do activities that help them add to their knowledge of vocabulary terms.
- Students are periodically asked to discuss the terms with one another.
- Students are periodically involved in games that allow them to play with the terms.
Click on the following links to see the Critical Content Lists for our curriculum at Lewis Central Middle School:
6th Grade Critical Vocabulary by Subject (MS Word version)
