What instructional strategy can help students make meaningful connections to new vocabulary?

Employing word analogies is an effective instructional strategy because it enables students to relate new vocabulary to words they already understand. This method helps students to draw connections between known concepts and unfamiliar terms, making it easier for them to grasp the meaning of new vocabulary in a context that is familiar and relevant to them. By using analogies, students can activate their prior knowledge, which facilitates deeper understanding and retention of new words.

In contrast, using graphic organizers exclusively may limit engagement with the vocabulary, as they may not allow for the personal connection that analogies provide. Teaching definitions without context often leads to rote learning rather than meaningful understanding, and limiting exposure to new words restricts students' language development and their opportunities to learn to use the vocabulary in various contexts. Hence, drawing analogies is a more holistic approach to building vocabulary that leverages existing knowledge.