It is much easier to understand what we read when we have some knowledge of the topic. This is, of course, something of a Catch 22 as background knowledge is acquired by reading.
When I show teachers this tool, they get very excited because it provides many ways in which vocabulary can be taught and learned.
A great deal of vocabulary in subject specific texts is new and unfamiliar to students. Some words have been heard but not seen in writing, making it difficult for students to recognise and pronounce the word.
From my decades of being a teacher and teacher educator, I have learned many things. However, one thing that resonates very strongly is the importance of getting students engaged in learning from the opening minutes of a lesson.
