Level of Familiarity 3
What is it?
SVES is and ongoing vocabulary collection strategy, which incorporates understanding word meanings in different contexts (Billmeyer & Barton, 1998). Students have an expandable vocabulary journal where they record unfamiliar words, definitions, a description of its use, and every time they encounter the word.
Why use it?
Using this strategy with my students will benefit them and their understanding of the key vocabulary terms in the unit. Since my students have difficulty with remembering specific terms if not in context, this strategy will help students remember each term deeper than if simply memorized. In addition, we will be creating a class vocabulary journal rather than individual so that students can be further scaffolded throughout the complex and abstract vocabulary meanings. This strategy is particularly useful because it incorporates similar components as the Frayer Model and other effective vocabulary strategies, but it also asks students to revisit less familiar words to better retain word meanings.
When use it?
SVES is an ongoing strategy so continual usage is necessary and beneficial. I choose to re-introduce this strategy at the beginning of the unit so students can effectively build their word/concept knowledge. Students will be reminded of the class vocabulary journal throughout the lessons and prior to reading. In addition, students will also be directed to elaborate on their ideas of specific word meanings when multiple encounters occur.
How it works?
- I will remind students of the strategy, which they were previously exposed to in earlier units. (The last unit, The Roaring Twenties, did not require such intense vocabulary study.
- Before the students read Chapter 25, Section 1 The End of Prosperity, I will instruct students to list any vocabulary terms they find and think are important concepts. I will also remind students that the vocabulary terms for this strategy do not necessarily need to be in bold, but can be big ideas found in the reading.
- As a class, we will choose 3 terms we will further study (buying on margin, business cycle, economy).
- On the Smart Board, we will collectively go through the steps of the strategy:
- Write the word and when first encountered
- Describe the context of the first encounter
- Discuss a possible definition related to the context we found it in
- List examples from personal experience
- List non-examples
- Write a definition. I will have students write a definition independently and then we will discuss as a class which definition is best suited for the context.
- We will then create a graphic organizer, most likely a cause and effect graphic organizer to represent the events leading the the economic crash in 1929.
- I will then ask students to draw any related pictures to the word/concept we studied. (Drawing will help my students help solidify their understanding of the word and make their understanding more personal.)
- Throughout the lessons in the unit, I will direct students to add to our class vocabulary journal. When we encounter the same word in a new context, we will make another entry to our class journal including:
- A description of the new context it was found.
- A Venn Diagram comparing the first context with the second.
- A thorough discussion of the definition in relation to the different contexts.
- We will then make any additions and revisions to our original entry.
What it looks like?
Name: ____________________________________ SVES Vocabulary Entry
Chapter 25, Section 1, The End of Prosperity
Directions: Following the Stephens Vocabulary Elaboration Strategy, complete all necessary components.
Before you read: Remember to list any vocabulary terms or big idea words that you think we should study.
- _____________________ 3. _____________________
- _____________________ 4.______________________
Read Section 1.
Entry word: Economy
Read Section 1 for the second time: While you read, think of the context you see the word.
What is the context of economy? the stock market crash, stocks, banking crisis
Examples from personal experience:
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
Non-Examples:
- ________________________________
2. ________________________________
Definition: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Graphic Organizer:
Draw a visual that helps you remember the word: Economy.
