Supporting Young Children's Vocabulary Growth Using F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Model

Abstract With the constant barrage of media regarding the 35 million word gap, it is more important than ever to devise strategies for accelerating and sustaining young children's vocabulary development. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Vocabulary Model is a daily approach for early childhood educators to use as a means to increase vocabulary knowledge with the intended result being a narrowing of the vocabulary gap for at‐risk students. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. vocabulary model consists of seven components: (1) Fostering quality teacher and child conversations, (2) Rigorous and robust instruction, (3) Interactive storybook reading, (4) Engaging students in motivational vocabulary activities, (5) Numerous opportunities to practice new vocabulary, (6) Direct and explicit instruction, and (7) Sophisticated and rare words. The model is based on research, theory and classroom experience.