Intervention Programs

Take Aim! at Vocabulary provides...

• Individualized, explicit instruction of vocabulary words.
• Multiple exposures to target words within the context of high-interest, nonfiction stories.
• Deep processing of words through multi-sensory activities.
• Student-friendly definitions to facilitate understanding.
• Application of newly acquired vocabulary in multiple contexts.
• Semantic mapping to develop connections between words and increase learning.

Students...

• Expand their vocabulary.
• Internalize word-learning strategies necessary for increasing vocabulary.
• Learn how to deduce the meaning of words from context clues.
• Study roots and affixes that impact word meaning.
• Cultivate word consciousness: awareness of and interest in vocabulary.

Take Aim! at Vocabulary applies research-based vocabulary building strategies to help students learn high-quality words, develop skills for learning new words, and raise word consciousness—an interest in words and the ability to determine word meanings. Students work through unit textbooks of related, high-interest, non-fiction stories. Each story provides context, clear definitions, and research-based activities for high-quality words. Additional exposure to many of these targeted words occurs because they appear again in one or more of the other stories in the unit textbook. Take Aim! at Vocabulary also supports reading fluency and comprehension as students read and answer comprehension questions as part of the process of learning and deepening their understanding of the targeted words. Teachers can implement Take Aim! at Vocabulary with individual students or in small groups.

 Research basis for Take Aim at Vocabulary

Take Aim! at Vocabulary Steps

1. Read the Target Words
   Students read each target word along with the audio CD, with another person, or independently. This step introduces students to the six target words taught in the lesson.
2. Read the Story
   Students read the story along with the audio CD, with another person, or independently. This step helps students learn what the story is about. It also helps the students learn new words and master others as well as learn proper pronunciation, expression, and phrasing.
3. Read to Understand Target Words (and Read to Understand More Target Words)
   Students read the story two more times with the audio CD, with another person, or independently. The lesson’s target words are defined immediately after they appear in the story. This step helps students gain an understanding of the target words in context.
4. Use Context Clues
   Students figure out the meaning of a target word through a mini-lesson on how to use context clues. Figuring out the meanings of unknown words from context is a critical strategy that students need to use when reading independently.
5. Read to Master
   Students practice reading the story without audio support until they can read it well. Reading the story several times helps students deepen their understanding of the target words while building fluency and confidence.
6. Answer the Comprehension Questions
   Students answer multiple-choice questions about the story and record their answers. Responding to the text holds the student accountable for meaning, develops the ability to answer many types of questions, and provides information about how well the reader comprehends the story
7. Sketch Target Words
   Students read the definition for each target word along with the audio CD, with another person, or independently. Then students sketch a quick picture or write a phrase that shows the word’s meaning or shows something they associate with the word. Students do this activity in order to clarify the meanings of target words and tie their understandings of these words to their personal experiences.
8. Clarify Target Words
   Students answer multiple-choice vocabulary questions about each of the target words. Whenever possible, these questions go beyond direct definitions of the target words. This step requires students to apply their knowledge of each target word’s meaning in a new context and provides teachers with information about how well students understand the meanings of these words.
9. Study Word Parts
   Students read the lesson along with the audio CD, with another person, or independently to learn a root or affix. Then students answer four multiple-choice questions based on that word part. This step teaches students about word parts (prefixes, suffixes, or roots) and how these word parts provide clues about a word’s meaning.

Additional Activities 
Students fill in hink pink riddles to self-correct their answers to the questions. They can also work with flashcards and on crossword puzzles, which help students master the meanings of the target words.

After students complete these steps for all four lessons in the unit textbook, the students can work through the culminating activities and take an end-of-unit test.

Take Aim! at Vocabulary has two levels, and each level has 12 different unit textbooks, each with an audio CD.

• Goldenrod Level is for students who need to develop vocabulary and who read at or above a fourth-grade reading level.
• Indigo Level for students who need to develop vocabulary and who read at or above a fifth-grade reading level.

Both levels have the same design. Teachers select the appropriate level(s) for their students. The reading level should be easy, so that the student can focus on vocabulary acquisition. 

Take Aim is available in two formats: 

• Semi-Independent Format provides audio-supported lessons that enable a student to work at his or her own pace. This format is sold by level, and each level has 12 different unit textbooks.
• Teacher-Led, Small-Group Format provides vocabulary development for small groups of students who work mostly independently, checking in with the teacher at key junctures. This format is sold as an Entire Level (6 copies of all 12 unit textbooks/CDs in a level) or in Mini-Level Sets (6 copies of three unit textbooks/CDs from a level).

Materials include softcover textbooks, an audio CD for each textbook, reproducible masters, and teacher's resources. 

Take Aim Semi-Independent Format Samples

Use the following links to view sample lessons or follow step-by-step examples of the semi-independent format including the audio support.

• Printable Sample: Goldenrod Level (PDF)
• Printable Sample: Indigo Level (PDF)
• Step-by-Step Example With Audio Support: Goldenrod Level
• Step-by-Step Example With Audio Support: Indigo Level

Take Aim Small-Group Format Samples

Use the following links to view sample lessons or follow step-by-step examples of the teacher-led, small-group format including the audio support.

• Printable Sample: Goldenrod Level (PDF)
• Printable Sample: Indigo Level (PDF)
• Step-by-Step Example With Audio Support: Goldenrod Level
• Step-by-Step Example With Audio Support: Indigo Level

Assessment Packet (for Placement)

• Take Aim Individualized Format Assessment Packet (PDF)

Click the series name to view available levels and add to your shopping cart.

Required

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  Basic One-Minute Timer
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  Standard Electronic Timer
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  Words-Per-Minute Timer/Calculator

Optional

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  Batteries for Standard & One-Minute Timers
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  Read Naturally Folders (10-Pack)
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  Reading Guides (10-pack)
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  Red/Blue Graphing Pencils
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  Red/Green Pouches (10-pack)
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  Stereo Headphones