Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction - Florida Early Learning

1 A newsletter for VPK providers, directors, teachers and administrators in Florida May 2018, Volume 2, Issue 10. Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction : Introducing new words and enhancing children's language using books By Mary Ann Goodrich, West Central VPK Regional Facilitator There are many strategies teachers can use to increase children's language and Vocabulary . One of them is a small group activity called, Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction , that uses words and illustrations in children's books to teach new Vocabulary to young children. Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction involves four parts which include: Planning, Pre-teach, First Encounter and Second Encounter. During the Planning step the teacher previews the book and chooses the target words they wish to teach.

2 Then they create a simple, child friendly definition for each word using synonyms and words that young children understand. For the Pre-teach step the children are introduced to the target words. The teacher turns RULES. to a page where each word and illustration can be seen. She then tells the children the definition of each word, showing the RULE illustration. The story is read for the first time during the First VPK CURRICULUM. Encounter step, calling attention to each new Vocabulary word as APPROVAL PROCESS. it is read. The teacher asks the children to recall the definition of 06/06/2018- HEARING. each word. The final step is the Second Encounter. The teacher Remember to check our reads the book for the second time, once again calling attention to the new Vocabulary words in various parts of the book.

3 Site regularly for a listing of proposed rules Book Embedded Vocabulary Instruction is an engaging strategy to and notices of dates and enhance children's language and increase their Vocabulary times of workshops. knowledge. For more detailed information on this strategy and classroom resources view the Language and Vocabulary folder on the VPK Teacher Toolkit at teachertoolkit/langVoc/section_5 250 MARRIOTT DRIVE TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399 Toll Free 866-357-3239. 1. Changing Math Mindsets By Cassandra Jackson, VPK Educational Policy Consultant If you have ever taken one of our Early Math trainings, you may remember being asked the question, How do you feel about math? . When asked this question, many responses include I don't like math , I'm not a math person, never have been or Math is confusing and I'm not good in math.

4 The next question we ask is, Why do you feel this way about math? and often the answers revolve around personal experiences with previous teachers, classmates or even close family members that resulted in the negative feelings around the subject. Many teachers openly admit to spending very little to no time focusing on key Early mathematical skills because they themselves are uncomfortable with the subject or simply don't enjoy it. When teachers adopt this fixed mindset they don't provide the meaningful experiences children need to explore key Early mathematical concepts which research shows are some of the best predictors of later academic success. These experiences provide opportunities for children to develop positive attitudes towards math and build the foundation for their own growth mindset.

5 So how can you help children develop a positive attitude towards math and foster a growth mindset in the classroom? Provide children with opportunities to learn from their mistakes. Reinforce the idea that Learning comes from trying new things. Only talk about your own math experience as a positive Learning opportunity. Highlight connections between math and the real world. If you would like more information about Early math training available in your area, please download our Early Childhood Math Training flyer available at 20 Resources/Publications/ Early %20 Math% 2. NOW AVAILABLE!!! Early Learning and Developmental standards Website The Office of Early Learning is pleased to share information about the new Florida Early Learning and Developmental standards website which can be accessed at This site includes the revised Early Learning and Developmental standards : Birth to Kindergarten (2017) and related resources through the collaboration of the Child Care Resource and Referral, School Readiness and VPK.

6 Program units within the Office of Early Learning . The following features and resources will be added to the new website over the next few months as new information becomes available. Educator guides Standard examples Links to resources including videos Family resources Please feel free to contact Melinda Webster at with questions. It takes a big heart to help shape little minds.. Be in the Loop! VPK Learning Circles are ongoing opportunities for Early childhood professionals to share strategies, research and best practices in VPK. classrooms. Learning Circle activities include Practicing new ideas and skills. Professional networking. Sharing resources and experiences. Discussion and brainstorming solutions for challenges faced in the field.

7 Who should attend? VPK providers, directors, teachers and administrators who would like Total Learning Total April April an opportunity to network with other professionals in Early childhood Circles in Participants in Circles Participants education. 2017-18 2017-18. Face-to-Face 15 120 128 1309. Who do you contact for more information about Learning Circles? Web-Based 0 0 23 219. Your local VPK regional facilitator organizes and facilitates the Learning Circles. You can find contact information for your regional facilitator on the OEL website. 3. Professional Development Florida 's Office of Early Learning in collaboration with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) offers a variety of online and instructor-led training opportunities.

8 To register for any of these training opportunities, please visit DCF's training website at Online Courses April 2017-18 Total Completers Completers standards for Four-Year-Olds 265 2782. integrating the standards : Phonological Awareness 68 403. Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors 530 4484. Language and Vocabulary in the VPK Classroom 150 1122. Mathematical Thinking for Early Learners 229 1448. Working to Create Positive Learning Environments: Preventive Strategies 140 850. Developing the Socially and Emotionally Competent Child 115 602. English Language Learners in the VPK Classroom 85 622. How to Administer the Florida VPK Assessment 96 769. VPK Assessment Instructional Implications 58 409. VPK Director Credential Course 103 830.

9 Instructor-led Courses April April 2017-18 Total Participants classes Participants standards for Four-Year-Olds 0 0 112. integrating the standards : Phonological Awareness 1 8 252. How to Administer the Florida VPK Assessment 0 0 351. VPK Assessment Instructional Implications 0 0 259. *EMEL: Making Sense of Sets and Numbers 6 60 847. *EMEL: Counting and Operating with Numbers 6 70 740. *EMEL: Patterns, Measurement and Data 7 51 804. *EMEL: Shapes and Spatial Relationships 13 141 515. *EMEL Early Mathematics for Early Learners 4.