The 4th Journal Summary

My Words: Constructing a Meaningful Reading Vocabulary with Young Learners

To interest the young learners, the author suggest to learn how to read some vocabulary as a game. The game structure is constructing personal vocabulary collection, this activity can make them learn to associate graphic symbols with the appropriate sounds. According to a skill such as alphabetizing and classifying, learners will generate word and read with confidence. Because they are reading their own selection. There a three kinds of game that can be used:

1.  Making their own collection word and chant all of the word.
2.   Illustrating word, dictated sentences by students and transcribed by the teacher on  the illustration.
3.  Treasure hunt, to find their own word.

Alphabetizing can be taught by having the students match their own words to an alphabet chart. Students can practice parts of speech by choosing a word that represents the part of speech called out by the teacher. Oral skills can be practiced by having students describe one of their words to a peer and having the peer identify the described word. Phonics in context can be practiced by having students choose a personal word that has a particular initial or final consonant sound or vowel consonant pattern. By encouraging learners to construct their own collection of word, it will help the learner to begin love reading and instill confidence in their mind.

Source : 

To cite this article: Laurie R. Weaver (1994) My Words: Constructing a Meaningful

Reading Vocabulary with Young Learners, Bilingual Research Journal: The Journal

of the National Association for Bilingual Education, 18:1-2, 137-139, DOI:

10.1080/15235882.1994.10162664