My students need visual vocabulary resources to increase their English Language word knowledge and usage, including picture dictionaries and word study/ vocabulary games.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Imagine having so much to say, but not having the words to say it! Our English language learners struggle with this daily--the necessity to learn copious amounts of vocabulary! Help them discover ways to express themselves, find words to prove their intelligence, and enhance their self-esteem.
The students benefiting from this grant are in 2nd and 3rd grade, and attend a rural public K-5 elementary school.
My students are all English Language Learners, who get very little English practice outside of the school. They are intelligent children, and their knowledge needs to be expressed in English in our academic world. One of the best ways to do this is through intensive vocabulary instruction. The more words they learn and use, the more effectively their overall language development will occur. In today's high-stakes testing world, that development is expected in record time. Therefore, any resources that are practical, interesting for the kids, and span the range of content areas, social skills, and everyday vocabulary, will prove invaluable to our eager language learners. They need to be exposed to as much as they can, even words they may not use on a daily basis, but still need to recognize occasionally. Expanding vocabulary expands their mental and physical world.
My Project
I have a couple of old picture dictionaries, and the students absolutely devour them. They love looking at the pictures, and using the new words they learn! I am requesting more picture dictionaries because of the success I have seen with the ones I have. I would like for each student to have access to his/her own when I work with larger groups; these dictionaries focus on content areas, which is super to make connections and build background knowledge for the students and get them prepped. They are also great for review, brainstorming, and getting visual ideas. One of the greatest hurdles in language development of language learners is their lack of vocabulary, and just looking at a page in a picture dictionary inspires them to write/ say all kinds of things they would not typically come up with on their own.
These dictionaries and thesauruses can be used in all areas of instruction during the day,(and by me!) and will be prominently displayed for universal access and constant use.
Learning a language is all about knowing vocabulary.
You can't study grammar, understand what you read, or write a sentence until you have words to express your thoughts. In my experience, picture dictionaries are an effective, interesting way for students to learn while having fun, and to have more choice as to what is important and relevant to them. I hope to see greater confidence as they begin to use more words, and are able to let others in on their thoughts and knowledge.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Pillars and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
