Where and When Is Vocabulary Instruction Happening in Preschool? What Are the Most Rich Contexts for Vocabulary Instruction?

• In Event: 70.067 - Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: 70.067-2 - Literacy: Cognitive and Affective Factors

Abstract

Preschool classrooms have the potential to serve as an excellent setting for vocabulary instruction that can begin to close early vocabulary gaps. However, little is known about how preschool teachers spend their time outside of shared book reading and how much vocabulary instruction is happening within different contexts. Results from classroom observations in 10 low-income preschools indicate that 44% of time was spent on content-rich topics (e.g. science) and 56% of time was spent on non-content focused activities (e.g transitions). Substantially more vocabulary instruction occurred during content-rich contexts than non-content contexts. Findings indicate that preschool teachers may not be taking advantage of important and optimal times of the day to provide support for vocabulary development.

Author

• Julie Dwyer, Boston University