Getting Into Words: Vocabulary Instruction that Strengthens Comprehension

For children with poor vocabulary development, reading is intimidating rather than exciting. Good vocabulary skills come from knowing important words and knowing how and when to use word acquisition strategies.

This activity-filled guidebook will help to improve students’ independent word learning skills and strengthen their comprehension so they’ll tackle their schoolwork with confidence. A wide range of fun, engaging worksheets that go beyond traditional methods like memorising word lists, will help teachers motivate their students. Photocopiable worksheets for students include:

• Clarifying Cue Card (using independent word learning strategies)
• Word Trees (manipulating roots and affixes)
• Context Cue Cards (inferring word meaning)
• Stoplight Vocabulary Sheets (monitoring word knowledge)
• Word Study Journals (recording word learning)
• Word Scales (coming up with lively synonyms for dull words)

Educators will find guidelines on teaching vocabulary to younger children and English language learners and helping students implement vocabulary strategies spontaneously. They’ll also benefit from sample student–teacher interactions, answer keys to the student worksheets, and guidance on managing a schoolwide vocabulary development program. This practical, easy-to-use book; built around research-based principles; really helps children “get into words” so they’ll be confident, motivated readers ready for school success.

Table of Contents

I: Getting Started IntroductionThe Tools of Success

II: Teaching Clarifying Strategies Strategies that Strengthen Comprehension

• Clarifying Strategies in Action

III: Developing Metacognitive Skills Traffic Signs, Word Knowledge, and Self-Monitoring

• Word-Learning and Self-Regulation
• Controlling Word-Learning Strategies

IV: Building Word Knowledge Choosing Words to Teach and Learn

• Graphic Organizers and Word Sorts

V: Teaching Vocabulary to Young Children and English Language Learners

• Vocabulary Instruction for Young Children
• Vocabulary Instruction for English Language Learners

VI: Managing a Comprehensive Vocabulary Development Program

• Teaching Vocabulary Across the Curriculum and Throughout the School

References

Appendix A: Glossary

Appendix B: Answer Key Index