Vocabulary: The Key to Unlocking Every Student’s Potential
At SSIS, we are constantly exploring how to best support our learners, particularly our vibrant community of multilingual students. We understand that vocabulary knowledge is the strongest predictor of later reading comprehension ability.
The research is unequivocal (Lervåg et al., 2017; Muter et al., 2004). For our students to become confident, capable readers, we must move beyond simply decoding words on a page. We must cultivate deep, nuanced vocabulary knowledge.
Across all areas of the school, we reinforce an important truth: vocabulary development cannot be left to chance or incidental exposure. For our bilingual and multilingual learners, who are navigating the complexities of academic language (CALP) alongside conversational fluency (BICS), this is especially critical. Effective instruction must be explicit, selective, and active.
Our students have access to vocabulary books that build the understanding required to succeed academically. Senior School students are also encouraged to develop their own personal vocabulary books. This enables them to curate carefully selected, high-value vocabulary across different contexts, develop a deep understanding of meaning, and use new words confidently in their own speaking and writing.
This leads to perhaps the most important ingredient for success: every teacher needs to be a vocabulary teacher.
Whether a student is explaining a mathematical strategy, investigating a scientific concept, discussing a text in English, or exploring Humanities, vocabulary is the vehicle that enables them to understand, think, communicate, and learn. Our teachers have been actively building Word Walls and integrating these strategies into every classroom, ensuring that language support is woven into the fabric of our entire curriculum.
Our goal at SSIS extends far beyond teaching students to read accurately. We want to nurture readers who can understand deeply, think critically, and use reading as a powerful tool for learning about their world. By prioritising explicit, meaningful vocabulary instruction, we are not just teaching words; we are building the foundations for lifelong success.
Stronger Together.
Mr. Shirley
Please find the updated benefits and privileges for SSIS community through the link below:
