The students tap into their own prior knowledge by brainstorming vocabulary, writing it on a graphic organizer, and then sharing with a group. They continue to share as “spies” look for additional words from other small groups. They are focusing on multiple encounters with key words they will read in their assignment.
Word Storming (Document)
Karen Campbell is a special education teacher co-teaching with Meg Johnson (Hancock Co. High School, Ky.) in an English III class comprised of a wide range of students, including five students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
The students are studying American literature and reading expository text to provide background for their literary reading. Karen and Meg have planned a variety of activities to help students acquire prior knowledge and vocabulary that will increase their reading comprehension.
"Word Storming" is a strategy to help students tap into their own prior knowledge by brainstorming vocabulary, writing it on a graphic organizer, and then sharing with a group. They continue to share as “spies” look for additional words from other small groups. They are focusing on multiple encounters with key words they will read in their assignment.
This video was originally part of a multimedia professional development resource, Literacy Without Limits, produced by KET in 2007 in collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Education.
Kentucky Department of Education: Characteristics of Highly Effective Teaching and Learning
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