Exploring vocabulary and extending the children's understanding is an essential aspect of our teaching and learning. Our vocabulary teaching is multi-faceted, but taught consistently and effectively across our curriculum, in a planned and structured way.
Within the vocabulary we teach our children, there are three distinct tiers:
Tier 2 words are targeted from Reception to Year 6. We have identified 6 – 12 words for each English unit. Alongside this is new vocabulary taught during spelling activities. The vocabulary overview list is our starting point for developing coverage and tracking vocabulary across year groups.
Tier 3 words are taught explicitly in each subjects. Units include a vocabulary focus. The teacher will introduce the children to the key vocabulary for that specific lesson and/or unit. The vocabulary will be discussed, understood and used in the lesson. Each subject has identified focus vocabulary with medium term planning so that vocabulary is a key teaching focus within activities.
When new vocabulary is introduced in English, words are explored fully. We look at they type of word it is (word class) and other words that are linked to it. Children are encouraged to look out for these words when reading and there are regular discussions about words, word origins and word families during lessons.
Tier 2 High Frequency Multiple Meaning Vocabulary (text/unit specific).
Tier 3 Low Frequency Context Specific Subject Vocabulary.