Less is more ---depth is more: Teach fewer curriculum vocabulary terms, but teach them in a manner that results in deep understanding of each term

Teach terms that address key concepts or ideas: While a text chapter may contain 15-20 vocabulary terms, there may be only 4 or 5 that address critical concepts in the chapter --- sometimes only 1 or 2!

Teach terms that will be used repeatedly throughout the semester: These are foundational concepts upon which a great deal of information will be built on over a long-term basis.

Explain idioms. They convey meaning not indicated by their wording.

When using words with multiple meanings, make sure the student knows which one he is to focus on.

When reviewing written drafts of essays/reports, underline ‘overused words’ and have the student use a thesaurus to find a more appropriate term.