Teaching Vocabulary: Unlocking the Word Gap in Our Classrooms
Vocabulary is more than a list of words; it’s the foundation of understanding. A pupil’s word knowledge directly influences their ability to access the curriculum, make sense of texts and express themselves with confidence. Yet research continues to highlight a persistent “word gap” — particularly between pupils from language-rich homes and those who have fewer opportunities to develop vocabulary outside school.
As educators, we know vocabulary isn’t just a Literacy lesson or English Department issue. It shapes success in every subject, from decoding exam questions in maths to grasping key terminology in science. So how can schools make vocabulary teaching both systematic and sustainable?
Why Vocabulary Matters
It drives comprehension. Without a strong vocabulary, pupils can decode words but fail to grasp meaning.
It supports attainment. Evidence shows a strong link between vocabulary knowledge and academic achievement across all subjects.
It empowers expression. Vocabulary equips pupils to articulate ideas, debate and write with clarity.
Three Layers of Vocabulary
The tiered framework of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 words is especially helpful:
Tier 1: Everyday words pupils are likely to pick up naturally (e.g. house, run, happy).
Tier 2: High-utility words that appear across subjects but aren’t always learned incidentally (e.g. analyse, consequence, significant).
Tier 3: Subject-specific terms (e.g. photosynthesis, tectonic, metaphor).
Many schools already teach Tier 3 words, but Tier 2 vocabulary is where we often see the biggest gaps — and where explicit teaching can have the greatest impact.
Practical Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary
Choose Words Wisely
Select a small number of high-value words to teach explicitly, rather than overwhelming pupils with long lists. Focus on words they’ll encounter repeatedly across contexts.Go Beyond Definitions
Don’t stop at “what the word means.” Explore synonyms, antonyms, morphology (prefixes, suffixes, roots), and how the word works in different sentences. This can also help pupils clarify new words they come across in different contexts.Highlight Word Class and Use Colour Coding
Support pupils in understanding how words function by exploring their word class (noun, verb, adjective, etc.). Using colour coding to represent different classes helps make grammatical patterns visible and reinforces how meaning changes when a word shifts class. A clear grasp of word class also strengthens pupils’ ability to use vocabulary accurately in their own writing and to interpret unfamiliar words in context.Make It Interactive
Use activities like word mapping, sorting, adding actions and drama to help pupils internalise meaning. Vocabulary sticks best when pupils use it.Revisit and Recycle
Words need to be revisited in multiple contexts to move into long-term memory. Plan opportunities for retrieval and application.Embed Across the Curriculum
Literacy leads should work with departments to identify and teach subject-critical vocabulary, ensuring consistency in approach.
Building a Vocabulary-Rich Culture
Beyond individual strategies, schools can foster a culture where words are celebrated. This might include:
Word of the week features.
Classroom displays that showcase high-utility words.
Staff modelling ambitious vocabulary in speech and writing.
Encouraging pupils to “magpie” words from their reading.
Final Thoughts
Teaching vocabulary isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about giving pupils the tools to unlock the curriculum and express their thinking. When vocabulary is taught explicitly, revisited often and celebrated across subjects, it narrows the word gap and opens doors to lifelong literacy.
At Empowerment Consultancy, we believe every word counts. We partner with schools to build a shared approach to vocabulary — one that empowers teachers, engages pupils and makes language learning a natural part of everyday teaching. Together, we can help every learner find their voice.
