Teaching vocabulary and making it stick are keys to good comprehension and this is now possible only with ReadingWise Vocab.Introducing Vocab
For the last three years we've been considering the challenge of delivering effective vocabulary resources through an online resource. The biggest challenge, in our minds, is how to honour the critical importance of context when teaching new words - while delivering through an online programme. And we think we've cracked it.
After much thought and careful consideration, we concluded that teachers remain best placed to deliver context. An online programme like ReadingWise offers a powerful opportunity to reinforce and consolidate the words being brought to life in the classroom.
After piloting the vocab programme with 32 schools (you can download the report below), we carefully took on feedback from literacy leads and from learners. You will benefit from their expertise, as they have contributed to what is a very special vocabulary programme.
“There is much evidence – strong correlations, several causal studies, as well as rich theoretical orientations – that shows that vocabulary is tightly related to reading comprehension across the age span..."
Bringing Words to Life, Beck, McKeown and Kuchan (2013)
What does this page tell me?
- Who is it for?
- How does it work?
- Can I view progress?
- Can I customise content?
- How often should my class use Vocab?
- How about accessibility?
- How much does Vocab cost?
Who is it for?
Vocab is for learners aged 6 - 16, for primaries and secondaries. As you can decide on your word lists, you can be confident that your learners are working on the best vocabulary for them - from tier 2 words to Of Mice and Men vocabulary.
How does it work?
Spaced repetition. We tend to forget up to 75% of what we learn within 24 hours. ReadingWise Vocab reinforces words over time, thus interrupting this forgetting process. Teachers provide context in class and the ReadingWise Vocab programme embeds the words in learners' long-term memories. This includes a revision cycle once the word is mastered.
This process is designed to interrupt the forgetting curve as per the image alongside this text. You can read more about this here.
Descaffolding. Our system carefully descaffolds the lessons. At the first interaction, learners have images, definitions, synonyms, antonyms, word type and example sentence. As they gain confidence, the system 'descaffolds' - so at the second interaction (assuming they got it right first time), they no longer have images.
Please see the images below which illustrates the descaffolding process (not using the same target word, obviously).
Regularity. We recommend learners interact with the programme for 5-10 minutes, a few times a week. This allows spaced learning and repetition to happen and is easy to deliver - either at school or at home.
Quizzing. A simple pre and post quiz composed of 30 words from the target list helps you to gauge impact and demonstrate progress quickly and easily.
Can I view progress?
With a pre and post quiz (30 words from the word list you've selected) it is simple to gauge impact and progress. There is also full visiblity of learner activity in the comprehensive dashboard, including time spent, login diary, and accuracy rates. You can also choose to quiz your learners at any time.
I absolutely love the new quiz elements within Vocab! The feedback I have had on this new programme is excellent. Children whose motivation was poor now are loving engaging with the new progress bars - it is helping them to self-assess.
Can I customise content?
Yes you can. The key to our programme is working as closely as possible with what's going on in the classroom. So if you're looking at Ancient Greece then add your target vocabulary to the ReadingWise Vocab programme. You will discuss 'democracy' or 'civilisation' in class - and Vocab will reinforce exactly those words.
Along with selecting your own word lists, we have also pre-prepared a large tier-2 word list and Coxhead's Academic Words list. You can view this list here.
How often should my class use Vocab?
As guidance, 10 minutes 3-5 times per week works well. This can be at home, at school, or a mix of both. All evidence suggests shorter, more regular sessions are better than longer, irregular sessions.
How about accessibility?
As with all of our modules, we include the dyslexia-friendly font as an option. The audio support for the words you are targeting also supports your learners.
How much does Vocab cost?
This depends on your school size. Prices are from £360 per year.
Can I trial Vocab?
Yes you can. Please register for your trial through the button below. We highly recommend you spend 20-minutes running through the programme with our friendly and knowledgable team by booking a demo to suit your diary.
