How do students develop and expand their vocabularies?
Current scientific research on vocabulary instruction reveals that (1) most vocabulary is learned indirectly, and (2) some vocabulary must be taught directly. Indirectly students develop their vocabulary through everyday experiences with oral language, listening to adults read to them or reading extensively on their own. Although a great deal of vocabulary is learned indirectly, some vocabulary should be taught directly. This can be done through explicit word instruction (teaching specific words) and word learning strategies (using dictionaries, reference aids, context clues, and using word parts such as prefixes, suffixes, and root words). Vocabulary plays an important role in learning to read. Beginning readers use the words they have heard to make sense of the words they see in print. If a student has a limited oral vocabulary, they will have difficulty making meaning from the words, even if they sound them out. Reading volume, rather than oral language, is the prime contributor to
