Getting The Right Vocabulary Tool
Building vocabulary for children includes having the capacity to understand a wide variety of concepts, as well as the correct application of different words. For this to work effectively children should look up any new words in their reading that are not understood. For correct context of words to be applied on a daily basis, a vocabulary tool to define what is being used should be established and applied to reading, communication, speech and other needs.
The concept of vocabulary requires different tools for learning, not only to expand vocabulary, but also to find ways to enhance learning through regularly applying what is learnt. Most children who are learning language learn at different levels of application. The first is the ability to apply language to memory as a storage area. This can be short term or long term, and does not include comprehension for practical use. The only way for children to understand vocabulary at a different level is to move it into the working memory, which consists of the ability to comprehend, learn and reason at the same time[1].
This particular concept moves past the memory needs and into new concepts that are a part of vocabulary tools. For instance, when a vocabulary word also includes application into different context, it is remembered in working memory for a longer period of time. The more meaning a word has, for instance, the more it can be applied to everyday conversation. Several theories state that understanding the context leads to more meaning with diverse words. As this occurs, the processing and levels of understanding allows for the words to be used for creative production.
Beyond this concept, are different levels which lead to creative concepts, as well as application with vocabulary. It has been shown that learning has three systems in the mind that interact with each other. This includes cognitive structures, information storage and psychomotor learning. When these can be processed at different levels, it allows for children and youth to have a better understanding with the needed vocabulary[2].
With this understanding of the levels of learning, is the need for children to have things such as vocabulary tools. By adding in learning at these layers, children are better able to comprehend the vocabulary words needed, combined with applying vocabulary through both memory, recognition and developed meaning.
[1] Baddeley, A. (1992). “Working Memory.” American Association for the Advancement of Science (255), (5044), pg. 556-559.
[2] Novak, Joseph Donald. (1998). Learning, Creating, and Using Knowledge. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
