After reading

• Teach unfamiliar words that were not learned before or during reading
• Have learners use their own words to explain the meaning of new words
• Play vocabulary games (e.g. using synonyms, antonyms) to provide enrichment of new word meanings
• Provide numerous opportunities through activities and reading to extend word knowledge and to develop a deeper understanding of word meanings.³¹

Suggested strategies

The best method of vocabulary instruction depends on the goals of instruction, the words to be learned, and the characteristics of the learners.

Word building: is a strategy to teach prefixes, suffixes and combining forms. Learners select a root word, select a prefix and/or suffix, and add them to the root word. Learners write a sentence using the newly created word. Root words should be selected from the text to be read.

Illustrate and associate: is a strategy to introduce associations among words, including synonyms, antonyms, and analogies. The strategy involves listing the vocabulary word, writing a brief definition, drawing a picture to illustrate the meaning, and identifying an antonym for the word, if possible.

Word map: is a strategy for learners to map concepts (key vocabulary) by identifying characteristics of the concept and providing examples for the word.³²