Using Alphabet Books to Enhance Teaching and Learning Vocabulary

[Rose Whistler]

As a first grade teacher I am continually searching for ideas to help my students learn the vocabulary of the curriculum I am teaching. Vocabulary is presented to them throughout the year, but I wonder how much of it is internalized. This past spring I was privileged to take a course taught by Karen McGee called Alphabet Books Across the Curriculum. In it I was introduced to the multitude of Alphabet Books that are available, was astounded by the amount, and excited to find that so many styles and formats are available.

 

One presenter who teaches Algebra 1-2 talked about her idea for assessing her high school students in math vocabulary. She asks the students to create an Alphabet Book using vocabulary learned throughout the year. I loved the idea and realized I could develop a format for my first graders to review the vocabulary we have learned all year. I counted 13 words alone that start with the letter A, just by checking the glossary of Everyday Math. So, as a class we brainstormed all the vocabulary we thought of, put the words on an Alphabox, and are building our book. My hope in doing this project is that the students will internalize the vocabulary, but also that they will use drawings, and examples to demonstrate their knowledge. I am also working with them, along with my teaching partner, and the students' parents to help them revise their writing to be somewhat clever and original in their wording, not just copying definitions from the book.

 

Alphabet Books can be used at every grade level and in every subject area and cover a variety of standards. We just finished one class book on Ocean Animals to culminate our Science unit. The children employed research and technology in obtaining their information. Alphabet Books serve as a model for understanding the purpose and set up of the class book, besides offering lovely prose, poetry and illustrations.

 

 

[Sandra Madura]

Rose,

As we have talked, this is the presentation I've been waiting for some years now. Your first graders will prove that little people can think deeply when they have a dependable format. The alphabet book also crosses the grade level expanse since there are very simplistic to very complex ABC picture books. I know I will be using the details of your presentation in the fall.

Sandy

[Melissa LiCon]

Hi Rose:

There are so many beautiful, fun and clever examples of alphabet books in print, right? I am sure you are already exploring those with your students. Are you incorporating a way for your students to think about and evaluate which ones they find most engaging, which ones they like best and why they like those? I know this is definitely higher-level thinking for these little guys, but it might help them think about the features of the writing and the art that really pull a reader in... I'm trying to think of ways to support your goal of encouraging them to be "clever and original in their wording." Perhaps the kids could help you come up with some kind of rubric or checklist they could all use to evaluate their favorite ABC books. Just a thought...

[Rose Whistler]

Good thought, Melissa. I have a list from Karen of about 85 alphabet books, most of which are beautifully written. For first graders, I use the text as a model for their writing, not so much as an evaluation of the book itself. However, your idea might be something I can incorporate. The children are so capable and are able to make thoughtful decisions based on a rubric. I will give it a try! Thanks!

[Christy]

Hi Rose,
I could not agree with you more that alphabet books can help students demonstrate knowledge, help them internalize vocabulary, and encourage a fun way of learning. I was previously a Kindergarten teacher. It is interesting to find that many things I did with my kindergarten class I still do with my sixth grade class. We keep the fun in the lessons but add to the content. I praise you for finding a way to reach all students because alphabet bookscan be done across the curriculum. To finish up the year in sixth grade we did the alphabet of sixth grade. The students were to write about things they learned from the year using the alphabet. they turned out wonderful. I was pleased to see how much they had gained and this was such a fun way to show it. I can't wait to hear your presentation!
Christy

[Rose Whistler]

Thanks, Christy. I am delving deeper into the benefits of using alphabet books at all levels, and it is exciting to learn that the use of ABC books increases the opportunity for oral language, reading, and writing, while incorporating technology and writing workshop. The books are motivating as anchor texts and can empower students who feel that they are not "good" writers. They can reach students of diverse interests and varied abilities. I am looking forward to doing this presentation!