If you’ve been to the blog before, you know I’m a huge fan of vocabulary instruction. I believe vocabulary is an intricate part of reading comprehension and an area of instruction that we simply can’t afford to skip. Vocabulary assessment is a key component to solid instruction.
Today, I’m talking all about assessment. I’ll share the ways that I assess vocabulary instruction with my third graders. I’ll also share some simple things you can do in your classroom to ensure your students are really learning the vocabulary words you’ve been working on.
When do you assess vocabulary instruction?
In my classroom, I follow a structured vocabulary routine that you can read about here. I always save my assessment for Friday. This ensures students have had enough time to work with the words during the week.
I copy their vocabulary assessment on the back of the paper I use for their Words their Way weekly assessment. This saves me time. Students can flip over to the back and get to work as soon as we finish our weekly spelling test.
Things to include on the vocabulary assessment:
Synonyms and Antonyms:
This is the most common and natural way students will see vocabulary words in their independent reading time. Synonyms and antonyms are often undervalued but are so important. The human brain loves to build connections between new and old information. Often, when we begin to study synonyms and antonyms, we will share words that students are familiar with. That helps them connect the new vocabulary word to a word they already know, which will solidify the knowledge in their brains.
I spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year teaching my students the definitions of synonym and antonyms so they won’t get those words confused. We also use them weekly in my classroom and students become very familiar with those terms.
So often on assessments, I’ll simply ask “What is a synonym for ________?”
Fill in the Blank:
Can students recognize the context that best fits the meaning of the vocabulary word? Be very selective about the sentences you choose. They should lend themselves to only ONE of the words, but also not be easy that it’s a dead giveaway.
Quick Definitions:
Lastly, the most straightforward way is to simply ask: “What is the meaning of ________?” I don’t use this on every single question, but I do use it often on my assessments. It’s straight to the point! I think my students can appreciate that as well!
Vocabulary Assessment Made Easy
Who here is a fan of shortcuts? I know I am! I’ve taught third grade for 12 years now, so I’m all about simplifying my processes to make my lesson planning easier.
I’ve got something for you that can make vocabulary lesson planning a breeze, and help you get back some of that precious planning time.
I mean, who wouldn’t want their ENTIRE year of vocabulary instruction planned out for them?
I’m talking word lists (GOOD word lists), engaging activities, printables, digital activities, website links, AND assessments.
I’ve got the perfect vocabulary resource to introduce your students to 180 tier-2 vocabulary words during the upcoming school year! 👀 These are words that students WILL come across in their independent reading, or on state-mandated tests.
Can you imagine the direct impact this will have on your students’ reading comprehension?
My students have made tremendous vocabulary gains with this ONE resource.
Its vocabulary made easy. Just what you’ve been looking for!
Does this sound like something you need? (Of course, it does?) Check it out here for yourself. I’m dying to hear what you think!
Looking for more vocabulary information?
You may like these posts for third grade vocabulary:
The Ideal Number of Weekly Words for Third Graders
