Semantics
Semantics refers to how we derive the meaning of words as they function in context to one another. How we derive the meaning of language comes to us many different ways. We know what words mean because of what they refer to (or their definition), but we also use cognition (what we've experienced or know of something shapes how we understand it) and context (deriving meaning from how the words are placed in the sentence) as well as the physical and cultural meaning associated with the words.
Learning the meaning of words and how they are used to communicate ideas are critically important for ELLs. Vocabulary development, particularly the language needed to be successful academically, is an area that has received much attention. Explicitly teaching the meaning of words will help students be more successful in the academic setting. One way to attach meaning to words for ELLs is through cognates (words that sound similar and have the same meaning in different languages). A helpful list of English/Spanish cognates is provided here. In addition, teachers should pre-teach essential vocabulary for understanding a text before a student reads to ensure that they can comprehend the text.
Information about teaching vocabulary to ELLs can be found on the Reading Rockets web page by clicking here.