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The Imagery-Language Connection for Vocabulary Skills

Feb 8, 2017
 
 

Today’s standards-based English Language Arts curricula have put a new spotlight on reading comprehension and vocabulary.  To function in the classroom and do well on assessments, students are expected to have strong “everyday” language skills in addition to acquiring academic wordsthis is key for college and career readiness. At the same time, US schools are educating increasing numbers of students with diverse needs, including English Language learners. Explicit teaching of vocabulary has become a critical part of preparing students for the 21st century.

 

Now, more than ever, educators are challenged to teach for understanding of new terms, rather than using memorization techniques of the past. To do well, students will need to be fluent with sophisticated words like commit or traverse as well as a subject matter term like photosynthesis. While states and districts may outline clear vocabulary goals for their students by grade level, the method for teaching vocabulary skills is not always clear, even for students receiving intervention.

 

Teaching methods do typically fall into one of the following categories: 1) close reading/text analysis, 2) students demonstrate understanding through using words in context, and, 3) practice.  However, high expectations and the opportunity to practice are not always enough. Students who have weak vocabulary skills will struggle with typical classroom practice. What’s more, teachers may find these activities do little to actually improve outcomes for their most challenged students.  

 

It is not surprising, then, that students who struggle most with vocabulary are placed in Tier 3 intervention or are referred for special education services. It can often be difficult for schools to discern if a student is struggling because of a learning difficulty or due to an isolated vocabulary weakness.

 

A Missing Connection

To thrive in today’s English Language Arts classroom, students need rapid recall of words they know and the ability to capture, learn and remember new terms. Activities like close reading and practice are, in fact, after-the-fact techniques that aim to draw student attention to unfamiliar vocabulary but may not address why a student could not understand a new word in the first place.

 

Clinical research over the last thirty years indicates there is a separate comprehension weakness that is rarely identified. This weakness often undermines the reading process. It is a weakness, based in the sensory system, in creating an imaged gestalt or “whole.”

 

Students with weak vocabulary may have difficulty creating mental images for language. This weakness causes individuals to get only “parts” of information they read or hear, but not the whole.

 

Teachers can develop their students’ vocabulary and comprehension by using language that connects to imagery. Teachers can use language that stimulates imagery when lessons include new, essential vocabulary. For example, during a lesson on photosynthesis, asking questions like, “What are you picturing for what the sunlight is doing?” and, “What do you see happening?”  During practice time, teachers can use language that prompts students to draw on images. Instead of, “Do you remember the steps of photosynthesis?” teachers can ask, “What are you picturing for photosynthesis?” and “What do you see happening next?”

 

Teachers using the Visualizing and Verbalizing program for Language Comprehension and Thinking can make a difference for students by changing their ability to process new words. Instructors can use this technique to scaffold skills as part of a Tier 2 program, as part of a Tier 3 intervention, or, starting in primary Tier 1 classroomsgiving students a solid foundation for years to come. Teachers can help their students develop the ability to:

 

  • Image the meaning of a word
  • Store imaged word meanings
  • Rapidly access and retrieve word meanings

Schools partner with Lindamood-Bell for professional development workshops and RtI plans that make a difference for students, including SPED and EL learners.

 

Visualizing and Verbalizing develops the underlying skills necessary for standards-based learning across the curriculum:

 

  • Oral Language Development
  • Acquiring Academic Vocabulary
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking

Explore our professional development workshops and contact us with any questions or to discuss how your school can get started: 800-233-1819.

 

For information on how to address core standards learning for all students, watch our recent webinar, Beyond Expectations: Language Comprehension and Thinking for State Standards Curriculum.

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Diagnosed with dyslexia in fifth grade, Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, first came to Lindamood-Bell as a student. Today, she’s using her platform to advocate for literacy and inspire others on their reading journey. Learn more at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbelllofficial.

✨ Imagine what your student could achieve with Lindamood-Bell! Discover our unique, sensory-cognitive approach and get started today. Special offer through September: Apply the cost of your evaluation to instruction! 💡 Plus, online students may qualify for 20% off their first week. Don’t miss out! ⏳Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert! 🎙️
In this episode, Dr. Pasternack discusses the role of tiered intervention in preventing unnecessary referrals, the importance of teacher preparation and professional development, and the necessary components of effective literacy instruction. 
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Attention Educators! Join us this October in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
 
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Lindamood-Bell workshops prepare teachers to use evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
📅 Register by 9/30/24 and enjoy a $100 discount on any workshop!
Use code: back2school100 at checkout.
 
Learn more and get started today!  Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
📚 Our Newton Learning Center recently welcomed Miss Massachusetts 2024, Kiersten Khoury, a former Lindamood-Bell student and passionate literacy advocate. Her inspiring journey with dyslexia made a lasting impression on our students.
Kiersten’s visit kicked off a book drive, a community initiative to foster a love of reading by collecting new children’s books for local literacy programs.
Visit our website to learn more and hear Kiersten’s incredible story—it’s sure to inspire learners of all ages! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
We’re honored to be part of your journey, Kiersten, and can’t wait to cheer you on as you continue to Miss America! 👑🎉
Students of all ages and abilities thrive at Lindamood-Bell Academy! 🎓✨

We tailor learning to meet your child’s unique needs with proven, evidence-based instruction, in person or live online. Watch your child soar academically and build confidence like never before.

🌟Special Offer: Enroll now and enjoy 15% off a month of tuition!

Don’t miss this opportunity—visit our website for more details and start the journey toward success! Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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🎧 New Podcast Episode! 🎧
Shelly, a Lindamood-Bell Academy parent, shares how she found the perfect school for her daughter, Brooklyn, who has dyslexia. Discover how our supportive environment helped Brooklyn thrive academically while nurturing her curiosity. ✨
Listen now at the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial
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#LindamoodBell #LindamoodBellAcademy #podcast #dyslexia #testimonial
Lindamood-Bell offers personalized instruction in reading, comprehension, and math for learners of all ages and abilities. Our unique sensory-cognitive approach is proven effective for everyone, including students with dyslexia, autism, and ADHD.

👉 Discover how your child can achieve remarkable results, whether they attend in person or live online! Visit our website to learn more. Follow the link in our bio, @lindamoodbellofficial.
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#lindamoodbell #dyslexia #testimonial
Attention Educators! Join us this October in San Luis Obispo, California, for in-person Lindamood-Bell Workshops! 🌟
 
Discover evidence-based programs proven to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Our approach, grounded in the cognitive science of learning, aligns with the science of reading and structured literacy.
 
Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or private specialist, our workshops in reading, comprehension, and math are tailored to your needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your skills! ✨Register today! ✨
 
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