Description
Book SynopsisThis book showcases effective ways to build the vocabulary knowledge K-8 learners need to engage meaningfully in reading, writing, and discussion on academic subjects. The distinguished authors draw on decades of classroom experience to explain what academic vocabulary is, how it fits into the Common Core State Standards, and how targeting vocabulary can enhance conceptual understanding in English language arts, social studies, and math and science. Rich classroom vignettes, teaching tips, and examples of student work are included. The book also features helpful figures, word lists, discussion questions, and recommended print and online resources.
Trade ReviewAn important guide for all educators, from novices to seasoned teachers. It is timely, research based, practical, and reader friendly. Vocabulary instruction is discussed in the context of the Common Core, with attention to new literacies and the needs of all learners, including English language learners. The examples are authentic and come from teachers in K-8 classrooms, making the suggested practices easily applicable to 'real' texts and teaching situations. All of the information is clearly explained through words, examples, and visuals that make the content easy to understand and use.--Adriana L. Medina, PhD, Department of Reading and Elementary Education, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
This book unlocks the mysteries of teaching academic vocabulary and addresses teachers' common concerns and questions, such as how to select appropriate words to teach, how to teach academic vocabulary across all content areas, and how to use new technologies to enhance instruction. As an instructor of reading methods courses for undergraduate preservice teachers, I would eagerly use this text to provide a firm theoretical foundation for my students with regard to the critical role of vocabulary instruction in the K-8 classroom. The authors take the reader into schools and classrooms to explore strategies for effective instruction. They not only tell the reader, they show the reader, clearing up any fuzziness about teaching academic vocabulary and bringing it into sharp focus.--Donna Savage, EdS, Lecturer, Department of Teaching and Learning, Old Dominion University
The authors, who are leading experts on vocabulary research and instruction, do a masterful job of laying the foundation for language development in English language arts and across the content areas. The disciplinary focus is especially relevant as it relates to the increased expectations of the Common Core State Standards. Classroom teachers will want to have this book at their fingertips when planning vocabulary instruction; teacher educators will find it a valuable addition to their literacy coursework.--Brenda J. Overturf, EdD, literacy consultant, Louisville, Kentucky; Chair (2012-2013), IRA Common Core StateStandards Committee
This book demonstrates the importance of vocabulary instruction--and happily, it also provides a clear lens into how to do the job in a meaningful way, including examples of both schoolwide and classroom applications. The rich base of research and theory makes this a useful text both for college courses and for professional development providers. As teachers across the country work to help their students engage with increasingly complex texts, building a deeper understanding of the words within those texts is critical to success.--Connie Obrochta, MEd, Reading Recovery teacher leader, Evanston-Skokie (Illinois) School District 65 -
Table of Contents1. The Importance of Academic Vocabulary
2. The Role of Academic Language in Content-Area Learning
3. Understanding Effective Vocabulary Instruction
4. Teaching Academic Vocabulary in the English Language Arts
5. Teaching Academic Vocabulary in Social Studies
6. Teaching Academic Vocabulary in Math and Science
7. The Role of Technology in Learning Academic Vocabulary
8. Resources for Developing Academic Vocabulary
