Fifth-grade teacher Millie Vega is a very engaged teacher, who in her off hours can regularly be found at Ramapo Central School Board meetings quietly observing the proceedings. Vega worked her way up the ranks at Sloatsburg Elementary School, moving from student teacher several years back to now a longtime standout.

Vega’s fifth-grade class recently performed a play they’d written collaboratively as part of an exercise to build up student vocabulary. Students reported that using vocabulary to write dialogue and poems or draw concept maps helped them to “connect” with the words and use them with confidence.

Vega said she already saw a difference in the students work.

“I’m seeing evidence in students’ writing and speech that they are internalizing what they’re learning,” she said.  “They’re developing a deeper understanding of what they read and are becoming more skilled at analyzing text.”

Several of Vega’s students drafted a play together about slavery, titled “The Great Escape.”

“We looked at our word list and started brainstorming to come up with the idea,” said Lauren.

“If you use the words in sentences, it helps you,” began Gillian . . . . “Connect with them,” Victoria finished the thought for her friend and partner.

This classroom activity was part of a larger, district-wide effort to enhance elementary vocabulary instruction.

“There is a strong correlation between students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension,” explained Principal Eric Baird. “Reading comprehension is a big part of the state assessments and a broad vocabulary also adds sophistication to students’ oral and written expression.”

Scattered about in working groups, several other students practiced lines, using the lesson’s vocabulary words.

“All the acting really helps me remember the words and how to use them,” Nick reported.

Two other nearby students had opted to use vocabulary words such as “freedom,” “available,” “liberty” and “reassure” to create poems.

“I think it’s helpful not only with getting a better understanding of the words, but also in becoming a better poet,” said one of the student poets.

Meanwhile, Jaden worked with her partner, who was having trouble with a new word. Repeating the vocabulary word they were working with, Jaden helped put the coup de grace on the work.

“The goal they yearned for was to rule the kingdom,’” Jaden said helpfully, finishing off a valuable lesson.

Photo caption: Fifth-graders in Millie Vega’s class performed a play they’d written collaboratively. Students reported that using vocabulary to write dialogue and poems or draw concept maps helped them to “connect” with the words and use them with confidence. 

Photo and article courtesy of Jennifer Citrolo, Ramapo Central Schools.