Morphology &

Vocabulary
 Morphology
Studying meaningful parts of words

Vocabulary
Understanding the meaning of words

As early as third grade, students
knowledge of the morphemes in
words is a strong predictor of
reading comprehension 4 years
later.
(Nunes et al., 2012)

It is impossible to understand text
if we do not know much about a
significant number of words in the
text.
Why does morphology matter?

Helps students READ, SPELL, and

UNDERSTAND bigger words
Students move from relying on phonics
skills to morphology to help them read

Why does vocabulary matter?

Increase comprehension
2,000 - 4,000 words per year!
 Overcoming possible barriers

Lack of Words are too difficult

frequency/exposure to for students with
printed words reading disabilities
Multisyllabic words are Teaching: not all
overwhelming students know the
Teaching: lack of same words and there
morphology training are so many to teach
 Vocabulary Tiers

Tier 1: Tier 2: Tier 3:

Commonly Needs to be Domain
used and taught specific
understood Used more Low
words in written frequency
Frequently than spoken Learn as
seen, language needed
usually not
taught

Possible solution: creating a core list for all students then reducing
amount for students with disabilities
Ideas for implementation and content connection

Cover and Connect

BEST: Break off parts you dont know, Examine whats
left, Say each part, Try the whole thing
Word Webs
Mnemonic/key word strategies
Direct Instruction of word meanings
Clarifying Maps
Concept mapping
Self-monitoring
Developing word consciousness (Quiet your voice >
Suppress your voice)
Clarifying table
 Frayer Model

Semantic Map

Select key words, provide

definitions, mnemonic strategies,
sentence writing, teaching words
in themes
Word Web
Resources

Week 7 Articles
How Words Work:
Morphological Strategies