We know from research and classroom experience that there's a strong correlation between students' vocabulary and reading comprehension...but we also know that many students, especially in middle grades, avoid independent reading. So, it's imperative that we provide consistent vocabulary instruction in ELA classes and throughout content areas.
Teaching words in related groups can increase students' vocabulary acquisition as well as their excitement about words. Plus, learning words in related groups improves comprehension, builds concepts and connections, and deepens student's knowledge of how and when to use different forms of a word.
This On-Your-Feet Guide will help teachers:
- Understand the connection between vocabulary and comprehension
- Focus on one doable, replicable, everyday strategy for teaching specific words in related groups
- Differentiate instruction based on students' needs
- Trouble-shoot and scaffold learners through specific vocabulary learning snags
Use this guide to get kids talking and thinking about words - which leads to much deeper learning than rote-memorization lists.