Find more CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

#Full sentences #Kinesthetic learning #Multi-sensory #Vocab acquisition

Supports Common Core Standard:
Vocabulary acquisition and use

skill breakdown

Most interactive strategies support vocab acquisition naturally, but this is a great technique for the moments when you want to slow down and focus on a new word.

SOUND AND GESTURE TECHNIQUE
When teaching a new word, the Sound and Gesture Technique is an effective way to help students retain the word.

• Why? When you combine new concepts with full body movement, you activate kinesthetic learning that helps students engage with the material.

EXPRESSIVE SOUND, GESTURE, RHYTHM
Notice Laura’s expressiveness when she defines “persistent.”

• Expressive Sound: She says “I won’t give up” with a confident voice and a repeatable rhythm.
• Expressive Gesture: She puts her hands on her hips in a confident pose. It’s also a simple pose.
• Rhythm: Pay special attention to the rhythm Laura uses. Rhythm is a secret weapon when helping students retain information. For example, rhythm is why it’s easier to memorize a poem than paragraph of prose.

REPETITION
Repetition is the key that really helps students retain new words. The more time you spend with a word, the better.

• Notice: Laura repeats the word a different way each time: regular, soft, loud, fast, slow.
• Why? By changing the style of repetition, you keep the activity engaging. Engaged students have an easier time understanding and retaining material.
• Tip: Try repeating the word as different characters like a mouse, a robot, an old grandpa.

EXTEND THE ACTIVITY
While Laura doesn’t demonstrate this in the video, you can extend this technique. To spend more time with the word, you could use “let’s all say that” to have the class say it in a sentence. Or you could use Frozen Pictures to act the word out. Pick something that you enjoy!