Academic vocabulary is one of the focus points this year for U-46 and at South Elgin High School.  Vocabulary instruction includes the introduction of essential vocabulary words in the content areas using the 6-step process.   

This process calls for a discussion of the word to create a student-friendly description and the development of an illustration to further demonstrate an understanding of the word. Through out the school year activities and games incorporating vocabulary words provide an on-going review of words.

At South Elgin High School academic vocabulary instruction is front and center. Upon entering the building there is an awareness of something hanging from the railing. A closer look reveals it is academic vocabulary sheets hanging from a railing on the second floor. 

During one of the teachers’ meetings held early in the school year teachers took a turn at being students. They wrote a student-friendly definition for selected words and created an illustration that explained the word.

These activities in the classroom will help students develop a more in-depth understanding of the word and provide insight for the teacher on the students’ thought process.