Vocabulary is a Whole Brain Experience

Vocabulary, Semantics, and the Brain

This amazing video by Nature Videos (the University of California at Berkley research) is a must-see video on vocabulary and how the brain maps related word meanings, called Semantics. A single vocabulary word can appear in multiple lobes of the brain and near related words – it’s fascinating!

Semantic Memory, or words and groups of words that are related to one another, have been mapped to specific areas of the brain which makes sense given the function of those specific brain regions.  This video will help you think about vocabulary instruction and activities in a new way. It shows you how important semantic mapping is with your students to increase their breadth and depth of understanding. Research-based vocabulary is an important tool for teachers and educational staff to help frame explicit vocabulary instruction. See the video on The Brain Map and how vocabulary is stored and activated in the brain.