TIP stands for  Term – Info – Picture.  Detailed in my first book and in much of my PD, here is some of the reasoning for it: 

a.  Students need multiple exposures to really master new vocabulary words – some researchers say that it’s around six exposures over a period of time.  The TIP here is also on the wall, and we build as we go.  Sounds like: “Denominator – that’s a new word, let’s add that to our TIP!” We add ONE word at a time, not a group. We give each word attention.  

b.  A picture with a word is one of the most effective ways to help learners get a word.  On our big chart we can create a class pic – on their own chart,  they can make an individual one.  

c.  Vocabulary is best learned via conversational definitions. So the info piece is in kid-friendly terms.  

So, students have this handy reference piece as they take this journey.  Can’t remember a word? Check your TIP!