Bitesize Research: Importance Of Vocabulary With Y7s

By Jaya Carrier

I hope you’re all having a great week. Following on from Donna’s INSET session on Communication, and on our keynote National Literacy Trust disciplinary literacy training from last year, I was interested to read this TES article, which is looking at strategies to support Year 7s with their vocabulary. 

Objectives: To consider the importance of the vocabulary with YR7 and how to support the ongoing development of vocabulary for YR7

Summary: 

• The author argues that KS2 SATs for spelling, punctuation and grammar show a clear impact of the pandemic on the vocabulary of new YR7 students

• The author also cites the 2018 Ofsted research into the ‘word gap’ that suggests a high correlation between child’s vocabulary and their academic success 

• The author goes on to make 5 recommendations to ensure YR7 word gaps are closed as quickly as possible:

• Ensuring all teachers understand their responsibility to build vocabulary for students. This includes developing knowledge of differences between the three tiers of vocabulary. 

• Encouraging students to be ‘word conscious’. This could include mapping activities for words (such as the Frayer model), having ‘word of week’, embedding vocabulary recall into retrieval practice activities and celebrating moments when students use excellent vocabulary.

• Use high quality texts. Where required, pre-teach vocabulary to enable access to these texts.

• Develop oracy activities. Spoken opportunities to use new vocabulary improves retention and fluency. 

• Give opportunities for students to play with words in low-stakes ways. This could include ideas like incorporating ‘Wordle’ or other word-based games. 

How does this impact me and my practice?: 

Some reflections arising from this that might be helpful to consider are: 

• Which of the 5 recommendations am I currently doing well? Which would I like to learn more about and implement further? 

• What opportunities are there for me to use these strategies with YR7s or with other year groups?

If you would like to discuss this further with me please get in touch! I’d be delighted to hear from you!