Template: Vocabulary Four Square

 

Description: Vocabulary Four Square is an excellent way for ELL students to make meaning of vocabulary in an organized way. Students write the word and its definition and then draw a quick picture related to the word and a sentence that includes the word. This allows ELL students to build their own dictionaries that are relevant to what they are learning.

 

Rationale: Though simple, this vocabulary organizer is effective (pictured to the left). Looking up words in dictionaries is not particularly useful because that can be done absentmindedly in a simple search-and-copy manner. When the ELL student creates their own dictionary, they can write a sentence and include a picture that is individualized in helping them remember the word and making connections to what they know. When students make connections and put vocabulary words into context, they are developing their understanding of the English language and building their schemata.

 

Implementation & Adaptability: This template can be used in a variety of ways. The ELL student can have several sections in his or her dictionary such as measurement, nutrition, plants etc. It is not restricted to any grade level or subject. This dictionary is a working-dictionary, meaning that the student can regularly add onto it and use it. The student could keep their dictionary in their desk and possibly use it when taking classroom tests that involve knowing the definition of cognitively demanding vocabulary (e.g. tectonic plates, mantle etc.).

 

Credibility of Source: I retrieved this source from my EDCI 457 English as a Second Language course. I then searched to see where this template originated from and found the PDF file that included all the examples used in our class slides, which indicated to me that I found the correct source. I then searched the creator’s name, Marzano, to see his credibility. It turns out that Marzano writes about teacher-tested strategies in education for the journal Educational Leadership. He has 40 years of experience in the field of education and seems to be reputable. 

 

Reference:

 

Marzano, R. (n.d.). Marzano’s Six Step Process Teaching Academic Vocabulary.

Retrieved from http://www.ncresa.org/docs/PLC_Secondary/Six_Step_Process.pdf