Which Words Are Worth Teaching?
Select words according to whether they unlock the next task, recur usefully or express essential concepts.
Worked model: Which Words Are Worth Teaching?
View the illustrated activity card
- 1Select words according to whether they unlock the next task, recur usefully or express essential concepts
- 2Identify general academic words as well as technical terms
- 3Teach the smallest useful set through examples from the task
- 4Check whether learners can now enter the task and use the words meaningfully
In “evaluate the reliability of the readings”, reliability and evaluate may block access more than thermometer. Teach them through repeated readings and a judgement, not a long glossary.
Teach the move
Prepare · 5 minutes
Preview an actual upcoming task and choose words that could block its meaning.
- 1
Select words according to whether they unlock the next task, recur usefully or express essential concepts.
- 2
Identify general academic words as well as technical terms.
- 3
Teach the smallest useful set through examples from the task.
- 4
Check whether learners can now enter the task and use the words meaningfully.
EAL upgrade
Remove supplied definitions while keeping the original task demand.
Keep the subject challenge. Offer one model, visual or language prompt where needed, then check a fresh independent response.
Try it tomorrow
Preview an actual upcoming task and choose words that could block its meaning.
Select words according to whether they unlock the next task, recur usefully or express essential concepts. Identify general academic words as well as technical terms.
Give a new question using the selected words and ask learners what it requires.
Remove supplied definitions while keeping the original task demand.
What to look for
Give a new question using the selected words and ask learners what it requires.
Teacher language
Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.
Our purpose is: Select words according to whether they unlock the next task, recur usefully or express essential concepts.
Show the relationship and explain the choice you made.
Try the new case on your own. Show the detail or reasoning that supports your answer.
Which support do you still need, and which part can you now do independently?
Across subjects
Maths: teach difference when the problem needs subtraction. Humanities: clarify perspective before a source comparison.
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.