ABOUT THE INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE
PREVIEW VOCABULARY WORDS is an instructional practice that allows students to
connect their background knowledge to what they are watching, listening to, or
reading. Previewing vocabulary words allows students to activate their prior
knowledge, clear up any misconceptions about word meaning, clarify the meaning of
known words in relation to the current context, and provide some initial familiarity
with unknown words, so students can make sense of the text. Educators should
preview words that may be unfamiliar to students but essential to understanding the
text. Additionally, educators should include problematic phrases or figurative
language and words that have unfamiliar multiple meanings. Choosing which words
to preview will depend on the students in the class, including issues like grade level,
vocabulary and background knowledge, and English proficiency. Only spend a limited
amount of time providing a basic understanding about the word.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICE
Provide synonyms and antonyms to the preview word.
Use everyday language to explain the words; do not use dictionary definitions.
Provide several contexts in which the word can be used.
Provide examples, situations, and questions that are interesting.
Present the preview word in context and ask students to offer possible meanings.
Encourage students to interact with the word right away by asking them to relate
to and talk about the word in some way.
Use collaborative, small groups.
Use graphic organizers, interactive vocabulary journals, and interactive word
walls to preview the words.
RESEARCH
Beck, I.L., & McKeown, M.G. (2007). Different ways for different goals, but keep your
eye on the higher verbal goals. In R.K. Wagner, A.E. Muse, & K. R.
Tannenbaum (Eds.). Vocabulary acquisition: Implications for reading
comprehension. New York: The Guilford Press.
Graves, M.F. (2006). The vocabulary book. New York: Teachers College Press.
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Preview Vocabulary
Words
Wisconsin
State Standards
Strand
Language
Vocabulary
Acquisition and
use
Grade Level
K-5
Purpose
Use with students
to support
acquisition of new
vocabulary words
When to Use
Before Reading
During Reading
After Reading
Grouping
Whole Group
Small Group
Partners
Individuals
Preview Vocabulary Words:
Concept Circles
Before Reading/Viewing/Listening
Pioneers traveled in wagons across trails
to go west. They used boosters when
they were tired.
After Reading/Viewing/Listening
Traveling west had many hardships.
There were many boosters that were
trying to make people move west. Your
wagon would need to hold many delicacies.
For instance, food, you’d need food to eat
and live on. The trails could have bad
terrain, or it could be all flat.
Preview Vocabulary Words:
Possible Sentences
Preview Vocabulary Words:
Possible Questions