What is a Vocabulary Square?
Vocabulary squares are used as another tool for students to express their understanding of a particular word. Vocabulary squares are used to not only learn a word's definition, they are used to put the book definition in one's own words, draw a picture of the word, and use the word in a sentence. There are many ways in which to do a vocabulary square and every strategy is a little different. Students can write the definition, characteristics,examples of the word, and non-examples of the word as well. These squares can be used to help students learn the vocabulary but also to show teachers how well the student can apply the information given to them.
Research
Fisher, Frey, Brozo, and Ivey state that "vocabulary cards (or squares) are a well-researched approach to word learning. When students create vocabulary cards (or squares), they begin to see the connections between words, examples of the word, non-examples of the word, and the critical attributes associated with that word" (Fisher, Frey, Brozo, and Ivey 135). They go on to explain that this type of vocabulary activity helps students to relate what they already know to what they have learned and what they do not yet know. Students' memory of the words are improved because of the amount of time spent on each word is longer and promotes the memorization of the meaning of each word.
According to Enge, the Frayer model of vocabulary squares is extremely effective for students' vocabulary learning, she states that the more the students use the table the more the positive results will increase. According to Enge's study 78% of her students scored 20% or higher on their post test as opposed to their pretest, after using the Frayer vocabulary square model.
Resources: Enge, S. (2005). The impact of frayer model on vocabulary. (Dec. 4 2012). Retrieved from:http://www.smsd.org/custom/curriculum/ActionResearch2005/Enge.pdf
Fisher, D., Frey, N., Brozo, W. G., & Ivey, G. (2011). 50 instructional routines to develop content literacy. (2 ed., pp. 150-153). Boston: Massachusetts.
According to Enge, the Frayer model of vocabulary squares is extremely effective for students' vocabulary learning, she states that the more the students use the table the more the positive results will increase. According to Enge's study 78% of her students scored 20% or higher on their post test as opposed to their pretest, after using the Frayer vocabulary square model.
Resources: Enge, S. (2005). The impact of frayer model on vocabulary. (Dec. 4 2012). Retrieved from:http://www.smsd.org/custom/curriculum/ActionResearch2005/Enge.pdf
Fisher, D., Frey, N., Brozo, W. G., & Ivey, G. (2011). 50 instructional routines to develop content literacy. (2 ed., pp. 150-153). Boston: Massachusetts.
Frayer Model and three other examples of vocabulary cards/squares
Picture resources: Fisher, D., Frey, N., Brozo, W. G., & Ivey, G. (2011). 50 instructional routines to develop content literacy. (2 ed., pp. 150-153). Boston: Massachusetts.