2Reconnect each word to its meaning and a prior example
3Use the words in a different subject task or representation
4Return after another gap and check independent use
Worked classroom example
Science: retrieve resultant force from a trolley lesson, then apply it to a parachutist diagram with changed force sizes.
A model to discuss and adapt to your class.
02 · The classroom routine
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Choose a few previously taught words and schedule them in fresh contexts.
1
Retrieve the words without the original list.
2
Reconnect each word to its meaning and a prior example.
3
Use the words in a different subject task or representation.
4
Return after another gap and check independent use.
EAL upgrade
Remove the reminder list and ask learners to choose relevant vocabulary themselves.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
03 · A plan for the next lesson
Try it tomorrow
Prepare one task
Choose a few previously taught words and schedule them in fresh contexts.
Model and rehearse
Retrieve the words without the original list. Reconnect each word to its meaning and a prior example.
Collect evidence
Can learners use the word accurately in the new context without copying a previous sentence?
Next time
Remove the reminder list and ask learners to choose relevant vocabulary themselves.
What to look for
Can learners use the word accurately in the new context without copying a previous sentence?
04 · Words you can use
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Launch
Our purpose is: Reuse vocabulary in fresh contexts after a gap.
Probe the thinking
Which detail supports your explanation? Show me how you know.
Check independently
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Hand over
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
05 · Keep the move, change the context
Across subjects
Transfer 1
Maths: reuse proportion in recipes, maps and graphs.
Transfer 2
Humanities: reuse perspective when comparing different source types.
Adjust language support
Use a small word bank, visuals and partner rehearsal when needed. Extend with precise explanations and qualifications. Judge the support from the response to this task.
Keep the strategy. Change the subject.
Four classroom examples
Science
Set up the task
Retrieve resultant force after a gap, using a parachutist diagram instead of a trolley.
Possible student response
If air resistance and weight are equal, the resultant force is zero and velocity remains constant.
Check the learning
Return after a gap with a changed context and check both meaning and accurate use.
Humanities
Set up the task
Reuse perspective after a gap with a diary rather than a poster.
Possible student response
The diary gives the writer’s perspective; its purpose and audience differ from the poster’s.
Check the learning
Return after a gap with a changed context and check both meaning and accurate use.
English
Set up the task
Reuse inference with a new character’s actions.
Possible student response
The hesitation may suggest uncertainty, but the surrounding dialogue is needed to test that inference.
Check the learning
Return after a gap with a changed context and check both meaning and accurate use.
Maths
Set up the task
Reuse proportion in a recipe and then an equation.
Possible student response
Doubling every ingredient keeps the same proportions; y = kx describes a constant ratio.
Check the learning
Return after a gap with a changed context and check both meaning and accurate use.