Gestures and Tangible Items

As I sit in a conference on teaching EL's, the discussion of teaching vocabulary became a top discussion. The presenters discussed how looking up definitions alone, are not effective in the fact that words have multiple meanings and may be hard to distinguish the correct meaning in the text.

Instead we discussed the value of teaching definitions by using gestures and tangible items. This helps students make meaning either visually or orally.

Here are some other ways to help with understanding vocabulary.
1. Video clips
2. Previewing text before reading
3. Making Connections
4. Activating prior knowledge
5. Using context clues
6. Picture cards
7. Visuals
8. Translating to native language (bilingual text)

My big "Aha Moment" was when we discussed how the strategies we use for our English Language Learners is good for ALL Learners.  As classroom teachers receive more ELL's in their classrooms, it's reassuring to know that what we do for the ESL student, we can do for the struggling English learner.

As we collaborate to meet the needs of our English Learners, what are some other ways to teach vocabulary to our students? Please share.