Description of Strategy
A Personal Dictionary is exactly as it sounds: a self-made record of vocabulary words that a student doesn't know but is working to learn. This strategy asks students to personally keep track of their word learning and in doing so, "they are thought to be increasing their word consciousness, or their awareness of the features of words and language" (Miller & Veatch, 2011, p.32). Personal Dictionaries can be used by students both at home and in class and can hold vocabulary words and definitions, as well as visuals and the context in which the term was used.
One teaches Personal Dictionary using these steps:
1. Teacher models how to monitor one's vocabulary understanding while reading.
(Reach an UNKNOWN word, STOP reading, RECORD the word, page and paragraph numbers in their Personal Dictionary)
2. Encourage students to add to their dictionaries everyday.
3. Make opportunities during class for students to build their understanding of the words.
(Options: direct instruction, partner activities, whole class sharing--creation of a Word Wall)
4. Encourage use of Personal Dictionaries at home to be used during reading and/or homework assignments.
One teaches Personal Dictionary using these steps:
1. Teacher models how to monitor one's vocabulary understanding while reading.
(Reach an UNKNOWN word, STOP reading, RECORD the word, page and paragraph numbers in their Personal Dictionary)
2. Encourage students to add to their dictionaries everyday.
3. Make opportunities during class for students to build their understanding of the words.
(Options: direct instruction, partner activities, whole class sharing--creation of a Word Wall)
4. Encourage use of Personal Dictionaries at home to be used during reading and/or homework assignments.
Internet Resources
1. The Simply Scientific Classroom: A Blog for Middle School Science Teachers---End of Year Vocabulary Photo Album
http://mrsjacobsclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/06/end-of-year-vocabulary-photo-album.html
2. Vocabulary.com--internet dictionary, vocabulary quiz and question resource
http://www.vocabulary.com/
3. Teachers Pay Teachers--My Personal Dictionary: An Expanding Vocabulary Activity-Freebie
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Personal-Dictionary-An-Expanding-Vocabulary-Activity-Freebie-1059108
4. A Maths Dictionary for Kids--an animated, interactive math dictionary
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/dictionary.html
5. Word Walls--explanation, content area examples, and video demonstration on this variation to a personal dictionary
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/word_walls
http://mrsjacobsclassroom.blogspot.com/2012/06/end-of-year-vocabulary-photo-album.html
2. Vocabulary.com--internet dictionary, vocabulary quiz and question resource
http://www.vocabulary.com/
3. Teachers Pay Teachers--My Personal Dictionary: An Expanding Vocabulary Activity-Freebie
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/My-Personal-Dictionary-An-Expanding-Vocabulary-Activity-Freebie-1059108
4. A Maths Dictionary for Kids--an animated, interactive math dictionary
http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/dictionary.html
5. Word Walls--explanation, content area examples, and video demonstration on this variation to a personal dictionary
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/word_walls
Video Demonstration
1. Demonstration of using a Word Wall in a classroom