--- title: Words and expressions --- # Words and expressions Language comprehension ## Print pupil copy - [![Print concept map](https://teaching.lexplore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Print%20concept%20map.png?width=1156&height=804&name=Print%20concept%20map.png) Print](https://teaching.lexplore.com/hubfs/Concept%20Map.pdf?hsLang=en) ---     ### **Learning subject-specific words and expressions**   When the students read a factual text, they often encounter many topic-specific words that are central to understanding the text. To strengthen their understanding and ability to express themselves about the topic, it is important that the students actively work with these words. This not only helps them understand texts better, but also develops the ability to speak and write about the topic. **Here's how:** **Preparation and introduction** Begin by giving the students an overview of the topic-specific words they will encounter in the current factual text. Show the students how important it is to understand and be able to use the words that are central to the text's topic. This makes them more aware of what they are going to learn and what concepts they need to better understand the text. **Understanding and reflection** Work together with the students to complete a concept board. The concept board can be used to collect all new words and expressions that are important for the topic you are working on. Follow the template where the students: *Explains the word in your own words* *Draws a picture that explains the meaning of the word* *Writes a sentence using the word* Discusses where and when they have heard the word before and in what context the word is used This allows the students to actively reflect on the meaning of the words and can connect it to previous experiences, which increases the chance that they will truly understand and remember the word. **Work in pairs or groups** Divide the students into pairs or small groups where they are given responsibility for different words. Let them discuss and fill in the concept board together. Once they have worked with the concept board, the students can compare their thoughts and explanations with each other. This promotes collaboration and allows the students to gain multiple perspectives on the words, which can strengthen their understanding. **Visualise and use the concepts** Another important aspect of learning new words is connecting them to concrete examples and images. Feel free to use visual support in the form of pictures or symbols to reinforce the meaning of each concept. This makes it easier for the students to remember the meaning of the words and gives them a concrete way to connect the word to something visual. **Write and talk about the concepts** After working with the concept board, the students can use the concepts they have learned in both speech and writing. Encourage them to write short sentences or paragraphs using the new words they have learned. This will help them integrate the concepts into their language and increase their understanding of the topic. **Feedback and follow-up** Once you have gone through the concept board and worked with the words, you can create a shared word board in the classroom. Post words and their explanations so that the students can go back and look at them when they need to. This can be a good way to continuously give feedback on the concepts that are important for a topic. ### **Suggestions!** For the students who need extra support, you can use simpler and more concrete definitions. For younger students or those learning English as a second language, pictures or physical objects can be very helpful in explaining the words. Encourage the students to first describe the concepts in their own words before you move on to the more formal explanation. This strengthens their understanding and makes it easier for them to relate to the new words.         ![3 children + table](https://teaching.lexplore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/01%20TEACHING/3%20children%20+%20table.png?width=147&height=144&name=3%20children%20+%20table.png)   --- Back to Lesson plans and exercises