6 Step Vocabulary
Introductory Routine
This vocabulary routine is recommended for Kindergarten and 1st grade students.
Vocabulary Routine Steps
STEP 1 Pronouce STEP 2 Define
Pronounce the word. Have students Give a student-friendly definition using
pronounce the word. Listen for the an example from the book. If applicable,
correct pronunciation. perform a gesture to illustrate the word.
Have students repeat the gesture.
Segment and count the phonemes or
syllables in the word. Tell a couple of sentences using the word
in context outside of the book.
(Phonology) (Semantics)
STEP 3 Show STEP 4 Explain
Show a vocabulary card with a photo Explain the function of the word using the
or illustration of the word. Explain anchor sentence as the example.
what is happening in the photo by
reading an anchor sentence with the
word in it.
(Understanding) (Syntax)
STEP 5 Trace & Spell STEP 6 Engage
Trace each letter on the vocabulary photo Engage with the word using word
card as you spell the word aloud. As you engagement activities.
model, students watch and repeat.
(Orthography) (Understanding)
K-1st
EXAMPLE
Vocabulary
Routine Steps
Word: Agitated
STEP 1
Phonology
Today we are going to learn about the word “agitated”.
Listen as I say the word and get ready to repeat after me…agitated.
How many syllables do you hear in the word “agitated”?
Pronouce
In the story, Michael became agitated when he lost his favorite stuffed animal. If someone
is “agitated”, they are very worried or upset. This can show in their behavior, movements, or
STEP 2 voice. Someone who is agitated may walk back and forth or speak loudly. [Act out the word]
Semantics
Let me see you act “agitated”. Here are a couple of other sentences with the word agitated:
• Mike was very agitated after waiting in line for over 3 hours for an ice cream cone.
Define • The football player was agitated after his team lost the game by 1 point.
• After staying up late and not getting enough sleep, Mary was agitated.
Look at the photo and listen as I use the word in a sentence.
Understanding
STEP 3
[Show a photo of a man with a laptop that looks agitated.]
After 5 tries, James became agitated when his computer would not turn on.
Show
STEP 4 In this sentence the word “agitated” is an adjective.
Syntax
An adjective describes a person, place, or thing. James feels agitated because he could not use his
Explain computer.
STEP 5 Watch me as I spell the word “agitated.”
Orthography
[Trace and spell the letters on the photo card.]
Trace & Spell
I’m going to read a couple of scenarios. I want you to act out what you might do in this situation if
STEP 6 you were agitated.
Understanding
• Driving and someone hits your car because they were on the phone
• Getting caught in the rain with a new outfit with no umbrella
Engage • Listening to the same song 500 hundred times
Agitated
After 5 tries, James became agitated when
his computer would not turn on.