Why is it important to develop the ability to read unfamiliar words?

Reading words in context is critical to vocabulary development. Sometimes the context is so strong that we learn the word on an initial reading.

More often, we understand shades or partial meanings until we’ve seen the word enough times in context to finally arrive at a full understanding. Research shows we need to read a word 12 times or more before it becomes part of our vocabulary. Most vocabulary acquisition comes from reading multiple genres and authors.

Predict the meaning of the following words: Guess without context Revised guess after context Gloaming Gloriole Glossitis Gloxinia What strategies did you use to guess the meaning of the words?

Predict the meaning of the following words: Context Revised guess after context Gloaming Even though it’s not completely dark, you should turn your headlights on during the gloaming. Gloriole The angel had a gloriole above her head. Glossitis With a swollen tongue like that, he must have glossitis. Gloxinia Imelda planted three gloxinias in a big pot in her apartment.

Predict the meaning of the following words: Context Definition Gloaming Even thought it’s not completely dark, you should turn your headlights on during the gloaming. gloaming: (n) the period of fading light after sunset but before dark. Gloriole The angel had a gloriole above her head. gloriole: (n) a halo around somebody’s head. Glossitis With a swollen tongue like that, he must have glossitis. glossitis: (n) inflammation of the tongue. Gloxinia Imelda planted three gloxinias in a big pot in her apartment. gloxinia: (n) a popular house plant with large, colourful, bell-shaped flowers. How many words did you guess correctly based on context?

Consider, what will happen to your vocabulary if you read a lot. The more that you read, The more things you will know. The more that you learn, The more places you’ll go. ~ Dr. Seuss