writing journal

Ayik Puspa Yunita

IIIC/10.1.01.08.0042

WORD WALLS IMPROVE VOCABULARY

Introduction

Vocabulary is very important thing because it can listing of the words used in some enterprise, a language user's knowledge of words and the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression. Vocabulary also the set of words they are familiar with in a language. A vocabulary usually grows and evolves with age, and serves as a useful and fundamental tool for communication and acquiring knowledge. A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a , or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning; The collection of words a person knows and uses; The stock of words used in a particular field; The words of a language collectively. Refers to the words we must know to communicate effectively. So, the teachers have to make some ways so that the student’s motivation to learn English is increase. There are many ways to make the students are interesting in learning vocabulary. One of the ways is using Word Walls.

Many learners are not interested to learn about vocabulary. They think that the vocabulary in English is difficult to understand. They also think that the pronunciation of English vocabulary is confused. And the biggest problems of them are they still confused about the meaning of the word.  Vocabulary is the basic of writing, speaking, reading and listening. So, if they want to be able to mastery all of them, they have to know from the basic. It is vocabulary.

Contents

Improving student’s Vocabularies about Verb by Using Word Walls Traditionally, the teaching of vocabulary above elementary levels was mostly incidental, limited to presenting new items as they appeared in reading or sometimes listening texts. This indirect teaching of vocabulary assumes that vocabulary expansion will happen through the practice of other language skills, which has been proved not enough to ensure vocabulary expansion. Nowadays it is widely accepted that vocabulary teaching should be part of the syllabus, and taught in a well-planned and regular basis. Some authors, led by Lewis (1993) argue that vocabulary should be at the centre of language teaching, because ‘language consists of grammaticalize lexis, not lexicalised grammar’. There are several aspects of lexis that need to be taken into account when teaching vocabulary. In my opinion the most important aspect of vocabulary teaching for advanced learners is to foster learner independence so that learners will be able to deal with new lexis and expand their vocabulary beyond the end of the course. Therefore guided discovery, contextual guesswork and using dictionaries should be the main ways to deal with discovering meaning.

A word wall is a systematically organized collection of words displayed in
large letters on a wall or other large display place in the classroom. It
is a tool to use, not just display. Word walls are designed to promote
group learning and be shared by a classroom of children.

Although typically associated with reading/writing instruction, word walls are becoming commonplace in classrooms for all subject areas due to their ability to foster phonemic awareness, display connections throughout word "families" (such as "-ick" words), serve as a support/reference for students, as well as create meaningful/memorable experiences with new vocabulary words.

Due to their flexible nature and ability to "grow" alongside the students, word walls can be used in classrooms ranging from pre-school through high school. Word walls are considered to be interactive and collaborative tools, as they are a student-created and student-centered artifact. Many variations of the word wall are currently in existence, including those featuring illustrations of the words and color-coded lists. As part of a reading instruction program, teachers designate one wall (or part of a wall) in the classroom for displaying commonly used vocabulary and/or sight words in large print so that all students can read the words from their desks. The students can then refer to the wall during literacy exercises. The large visual nature of Word Walls helps students to naturally gain familiarity with these high frequency words, as well as to gain reinforcement of vocabulary. Word Walls should be interactive and dynamic tools. This means that students can suggest words to add to the wall throughout the school year. As new words are learned in class, the teacher should also initiate additions to the Word Wall.

Some activities to improve student’s vocabularies by using word walls:

·        Change a letter. Students try to make new words by changing just one letter. This can be a fun, challenging activity that can also be played in teams.

·        Word wall stories. Students use as many of the word wall words as they can to write a story. This too can be quite a challenge to ensure that the story makes sense yet still uses many of the words.

·        Guess the word wall word.  Students work with partners and draw the word with their finger on their partner's back. When the student guesses the word, they trade places. (Great for tactile learners)

There are some simple ideas that teacher could easily use in your next class (assuming you already have a Word Wall):

Ø  Ask the student, "Pick two words from the word wall that you know and write a definition or example for each one."

Ø  Create a children's alphabet book. Students create a page for a vocabulary word from each letter of the alphabet, with a picture or drawing and simple explanation for each term.

Ø  Create one-page posters. Students create a mini-poster on blank unlined paper that shows one vocabulary word, a simple definition, and an example problem.

Conclusion

In teaching vocabulary, there are many methods can use. It is base on the use of method is adjusted with the materials that will be taught. Every teacher should always prepare the suitable teaching method before presenting the materials in the class.
Many learners face many problems when they learn about vocabulary, it is about pronunciation, even the meaning of words. Sometimes, they can know about the meaning of word, but it is not easy to make they always remember it. So, by using word walls they can read always the word because it can keep on the walls.

REFERENCES

Brown, H. D. 2006. Principles of Language Learning and Teaching. NM: Englewood Cliffs, Prentice Hall.

French Allen, Virginia. 2000. Teaching Technique in Teaching Vocabulary. New York: Oxford University Press

Harmer, Jeremy. 2004. How to Teach English. Edinburgh Gate: Pearson Education Limited

Kadon Enterprises, Inc, Suite 16, 1227 Lorene Drive, Pasadena, MD 21122-good company, original puzzles and games, catalog.

Thornbury, Scott. 2002. How to Teach Vocabulary. Oxfordshire: Longman Pearson Education