Word Network
Learners connect a central term to examples, opposites, causes or related processes and label each connection.
Worked classroom example
English
Map “tension” to a quotation, a character’s choice and the reader’s response.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Place a key term in the centre of a page.
- Add examples and related words, drawing and labelling links between them.
- Choose one link and use it to explain a subject idea.
Materials and purpose
a central term and related word cards
A network captures relationships that a simple list misses.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a central term and related word cards. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Learners connect a central term to examples, opposites, causes or related processes and label each connection.
Check independent transfer
Choose one link and use it to explain a subject idea.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
What kind of connection joins those two words?
“Which feature makes this an example of the word?”
“How does the meaning or useful phrase change in another context?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.