The Key Vocabulary Routine incorporates a combination of direct and indirect instructional practices that have been identified consistently in the research as most effective for growing student vocabulary in any subject area. Teachers learn how to teach vocabulary using existing content reading and instructional materials. When used across multiple grade levels, students benefit from a consistent approach to vocabulary instruction as they move from grade to grade and subject to subject. For grades 4-12.
The Key Vocabulary Routine addresses these topics, strategies, and skills:
- Activities for previewing vocabulary before reading
- Four activities for teaching words by relating them to background knowledge and related words (categorizing, semantic mapping, semantic feature analysis, scaling)
- Selecting specific words from content to teach in-depth
- Using vocabulary templates to learn everything about a word (Frayer, Concept Definition Map, two-column notes)
- Generating user-friendly definitions
- Teaching use of context to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
- Using word parts (roots, prefixes, suffixes) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words
- Promoting word consciousness in the classroom
There are multiple professional development options for this course: live training, asynchronous online course, facilitated online course, and guided book study. There is also a Train-the-Facilitator option.
Option 1: Live Training
Participate in live training delivered by Keys to Literacy trainers using a virtual-live format (using Zoom meeting software) or onsite at your school district. We will develop a customized professional development plan to meet your scheduling needs.
Option 2: Online Course
A companion Key Vocabulary Routine online course is available that takes approximately 15 hours to complete. It covers the same content as live training and is aligned to the Key Vocabulary Routine training manual. It is an asynchronous course, which means users can log on and off multiple times to complete the course assignments at their own pace. Individual educators can register to take the course, or schools can register groups. The course registration fee includes a free copy of the training manual. Contact us to learn more, or register for the course at the Keys to Literacy store.
Option 3: Facilitated-Online Course
This facilitated online option is for educators who would like to complete the online course and also participate in live, debrief sessions facilitated by a Keys to Literacy trainer. These sessions provide a collaborative opportunity to debrief activities completed during the online course, share ideas for connecting course content to classroom instruction, and have the facilitator answer questions and clarify online course content. In addition to the time spent taking the 15-hour asynchronous course, there are two, half-day facilitated meetings that are scheduled following a flexible schedule that meets the needs of your school district. Contact us to learn more.
Train-the-Facilitator Option
If your school district or educational organization is interested in training staff educators to become certified facilitators for The Key Vocabulary Routine facilitated online course, please contact us for details.