Adolescent Vocabulary Growth: Semantic Feature Analysis

Using a semantic feature analysis chart can be an effective way to use classroom materials to target secondary goals for vocabulary, descriptive language, organization, and comprehension. A semantic feature analysis chart is a visual way of grouping ideas or concepts based on different features.

A simple example might be how we think about zoo animals. We could list the animals and group them in several ways, such as:

• Animal size
• Color (dark, light, spotted)
• Mammal/not mammal
• Exhibit location

Using a visual organizer chart to record these details about the animals on our list allows us to rely on the visual for more complex analysis of the material—thorough descriptions and definitions, discussion of similarities and differences (compare/contrast), and even summarizing and predicting. Suddenly, a zebra becomes a large, black-and-white striped mammal whose exhibit is near the giraffes at our zoo!

Look at examples of semantic feature analysis charts for literature, math, and science concepts!

SLPAs and paraprofessionals should always operate within the scope defined by state and national licensing organizations and should only conduct allowable tasks under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist.