Word Generation - Thomas Brook

Why Vocabulary Instruction Matters, By Dr David W. Moore

An article outlining the importance of explicit vocabulary instruction and highlighting best practices.

Selection of Words

Most of the words used in the original Word Generation curriculum were drawn from the Academic Word List (AWL). A detailed explanation of the words selected for the curriculum can be found here: Why these words?

Word Lists

The original Word Generation curriculum is divided into three year-long series which can be rotated through on an annual basis.  The order of these series and the units within the series is not cumulative and units can be selected and reordered at teachers’ discretion.  Vocabulary words listed by unit and alphabetically can be found below:

Generating Words

Language and Vocabulary are not stagnant.  The chart helps students see the relationships between words, understand the concept of root words and learn that each word can be easily mutated to fit grammar and context. Words are generated in the chart shortly after they are introduced, so they can be used frequently throughout the unit.

How to Use the Chart

Chart Template

Common Prefixes and Suffixes

Other Vocabulary Activities

One of the essential components of Word Generation is the integration of the vocabulary across the curriculum.  The more frequently students are exposed to the unit vocabulary words, the more comfortable they will be using them.  Below are some vocabulary activities and games that can be done with these words.

Kahoot: https://getkahoot.com/