Deepening kindergarteners' science vocabulary: A design study. Issue 4 (3rd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Parsons, Allison Ward; Bryant, Camille Lawrence
• Is Part Of: Journal of educational research. Volume 109:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 375
• Page End: 390
• Publication Date: 2016-07-03
• Subjects: Design research -- emergent literacy -- informational text -- professional development of teachers -- vocabulary; Education -- Periodicals; 370.705
• DOI: 10.1080/00220671.2014.968913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0671

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Early, effective instruction to introduce both science vocabulary and general academic language may help children build a strong conceptual and linguistic foundation for later instruction. In this study, a design research intervention was employed to expose children to a variety of interrelated science content words to increase both the breadth and the depth of their vocabularies. This 8-week intervention targeted specific science content vocabulary development through adapting teachers' practices to include use of three instructional techniques: Teachers interactively read aloud information books, engaged students in conversation, and provided hands-on science activity centers. Results demonstrated that children deepened their understanding of the targeted vocabulary words.