VOC Strategy: Word Visualization

In the VOC Strategy students first identify key words in a reading selection and define them (or deduce their definitions) from their context within the larger document. Students then visualize or imagine the scene described in the reading through the use of vivid sensory terms. The visualizations tie the "unknown"—the current reading content—to the "known"—the reader's past knowledge and experience. VOC greatly enhances retention by adding a sensory connection between the reading content and the reader's prior knowledge.

Implementation

1. Model this activity with a think aloud before asking students to apply it on their own.

2. Distribute a VOC Strategy such as the following:

Vocabulary word _________________

Context Sentence(s):

Look for Context Clues

• Context Clues
• Signal Words or Punctuation

Look for Word-Part Clues

Can you break the word into parts? If you can’t skip to Step 3.

• Word Broken into Parts
• Word Part
• Meaning
• What is the Root Word?
• What is the Prefix?
• What is the Suffix?

Put the Meaning of the Word Parts Together

I guess the word means…

Expert Says…

Show your understanding of the word by using it in a sentence of your own.

Choose a way to help you remember the word’s meaning.

Classroom Management

 

1. Write the sentence in which the word appears.
2. Based upon how it is used in the text, predict what the word means.
3. Consult an “expert” for the actual definition (e.g., a friend, teacher, Google, glossary).
4. Show your understanding of the word by using it in a sentence of your own.
5. Choose one of the following ways to help you remember the word’s meaning:

• draw a picture of what the word means to you
• select and perform a miming action that indicated your understanding of the word
• connect the word with something similar that you have heard - a story, a news report, a song.