Five foundational pillars of high quality vocabulary instruction are:

1. Word learning strategies

Students need a clear understanding of word learning strategies such as dictionary use,
morphemic analysis and contextual analysis. Dictionary use allows students to learn
about different word meanings and the proper usage of those words in text. Morphemic
analysis teaches the student to examine word parts to understand the meaning of the
word. Contextual analysis requires the student to infer the meaning of a word by using
the text around it (Diamond & Gutlohn, 2006).
2. Multiple exposures in various ways
Students should be exposed to words in multiple ways. This can be done through group
work, interactive tasks and can be used with technology (Flynt & Brozo, 2008).
3. Reading
Students should be encouraged to read, read and read! The amount a student reads, or is
read to, is related to their vocabulary knowledge (Sedita, 2005). “The single most
important thing you ca o to improve students’ vocabulary is to get them to read more”
(Sedita, 2005, page 3).
4. Word consciousness
Developing word consciousness in students, encourages them to become aware of finding
new words and figuring out what they mean. It develops an interest in them to have a
better understanding of the importance of learning new words. This can be accomplished
by constructing lessons using word play or research on origins and history of words
(Diamond & Gutlohn, 2006).
5. Active Learning
Active learning will allow students to stay engaged with the vocabulary lesson and help
them learn in the way that is best suited for them. Activities for learning vocabulary can
involve reading, writing, listening, classifying words, acting out words or drawing
pictures (Sweeney & Mason, 2011).