Processing Academic Language Through Four Corners Vocabulary Chart Applications
Abstract
4 Corners Vocabulary Charts (FCVCs) are explored as a multipurpose vehicle for processing academic language in a 5th-grade classroom. FCVCs typically display a vocabulary word, an illustration of the word, synonyms associated with the word, a sentence using a given vocabulary word, and a definition of the term in students’ words. The use of personal dictionary entries in the form of FCVCs created on 3-by-5–inch index cards allowed for the implementation of 4 key classroom activities—namely, a “fill in the square” review activity and 3 games: Heads Up, a modified version of Connect 4, and Bingo. FCVCs are identified as optimal tools for the instruction of English learners because of the high level of vocabulary processing required for their creation and their functionality as key elements of engaging vocabulary games.