Vocabulary plays a key role in learning to read and in reading comprehension. In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find featured articles on effective vocabulary instruction, classroom strategies, content area vocabulary, and more. Browse our complete library of vocabulary resources for more articles, research briefs, parent tips, and video clips.
Research shows that teaching vocabulary can measurably improve reading comprehension — if we teach the right words well enough. In this new blog post, Shanahan offers 5 key principles in effective vocabulary instruction. The first: focus on rich meanings, not just dictionary definitions. Learn more in this blog post from literacy expert Tim Shanahan.
Strong vocabulary instruction focuses on six strands: robust word banks, morphemes, context, how to use a dictionary, word choice, and word consciousness. Learn more about each strand, including the importance of weaving all six together.
Semantic gradients are a great way to deepen children’s nuanced understanding of related words. Go inside Cathy Doyle's second grade classroom to observe how a recent class read-aloud, The Seed Is Sleepy, becomes the springboard for a lively discussion about words that describe the (massive vs. gigantic and tiny vs. microscopic). See more vocabulary strategies.
Teaching vocabulary is complex. What words are important for a child to know and in what context? In this excerpt from Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction, the authors consider what principles might be used for selecting which words to explicitly teach.
Vocabulary lies at the heart of content learning. In this article, literacy experts Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey talk about effective strategies to support word learning in the content areas: give students time to read widely, intentionally select words worthy of instruction, model their own word solving strategies, and provide students with opportunities to engage in collaborative conversations.
A veteran teacher describes how she uses visualization, Google images, video, and Skype to build background knowledge and enrich her students' classroom read aloud of a fiction book about ospreys.
Try our free online course on teaching vocabulary. Dive deep into word learning strategies, indirect vocabulary instruction, choosing words to teach, academic vocabulary, and more. Test your knowledge with a pre- and post-test.
Reading aloud is a great way for children to learn new words. In this video, literacy expert Sandra Wilborn suggests that parents pause during the read aloud to elaborate on a new word by giving a simple definition, connecting the word to something your child knows, and using it in a sentence.
Reinforce the learning by using that new word at home in the weeks ahead. Find more helpful tips in our Reading SOS video series.
From children’s author Mary Amato (The Riot Brothers series), discover more than a dozen ideas for encouraging your child to write, including creative and simple ways to get the whole family involved. You'll also find out how “WOW stories” can help unlock story structure for young writers.
Watch:Our video interview with Mary Amato where she talks about diaries and journals, dreaming and writing (no grades), improv revision, and more.
Writing can be difficult for many children. In this 2-minute video, literacy specialist Kyley Pulphus suggests a few ways for parents to make writing fun and take the pressure off of being perfect as a writer. In a related video, Kyley offers ideas for encouraging your children to find comfort and expression in writing.
Children learn when they make connections between what they hear or read and what they already know. To help build these connections try a "think aloud" — where you talk through your thoughts as you read. Here are three ways to use think alouds, with examples from some of our favorite kids' books. (In English and Spanish)
Do you know any creative kids who love to tinker, build things (and take things apart ...), and solve problems? Over at Start with a Book, we've gathered up a great collection of books, activities, apps, and websites for learning all about inventions and inventors. And try our Growing Readers tip sheet, Think Like an Inventor, available in English and Spanish.
Special literacy events and celebrations can be a great way to get kids excited about books and reading. But for kids who struggle with reading, these kinds of events can challenge their self-confidence. Here are 15 strategies to help you plan a successful, joyful reading event for all kinds of readers and learners.
Books can help children see the world from different perspectives and build empathy. Children who can empathize respond to others with thoughtfulness and understanding. Through stories, children can meet characters who are dealing with strong emotions and who learn to manage those feelings in positive ways. And some children’s books tackle the tricky topic of how to handle conflicts at school or in the neighborhood. In this Growing Readers article, you’ll find children’s books that can help strengthen social and emotional learning. (In English and Spanish)
How do you choose books to read aloud with your child? There are many things to think about: how interesting the topic or characters might be for your child; an intriguing setting, time period, or plot; the liveliness or beauty of the language; or how engaging the illustrations are. Some books are more appropriate based on social and emotional development at each stage of a young child's life. Find guidance here in choosing great read alouds.
Browse these award-winning books that lift up the stories of Native and Indigenous people, selected by the American Indian Library Association.
The Grateful American Book Prize
The Grateful American Book Prize recognizes excellence in writing, storytelling, and illustration for children’s historical non-fiction and fiction focused on American history. The 2021 winner was just announced: Ground Zero by Alan Gratz.
“A mesmerizing, timely and historically accurate 9/11 story by an author covering a two-decade span starting with the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Young readers will find it a page-turner about a monumental event, likely to rouse them into loving history.”
— David Bruce Smith, co-founder of the Grateful American Book Prize
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. If you find an interesting article or resource here, please pass it along to a friend, family member, or colleague — and help grow our community's knowledge about dyslexia.
There's a big gap between the optimal window for reading intervention and a diagnosis of dyslexia. Better screening and early intervention for kids at risk can help eliminate a “waiting to fail” approach. Learn more in this video interview with expert Nadine Gaab.
Talking to your child’s teacher about dyslexia is the best way for her to understand your child’s challenges, strengths and needs. Here are eight tips to help you have productive conversations. (In English and Spanish)
Self-advocacy is an important skill for even young kids with dyslexia to develop. But sometimes it’s hard for grade-schoolers to know what to say. Find out how you can help your child by rehearsing common situations they may face. (In English and Spanish)
In these video interviews, children's authors and illustrators who have learning and attention issues share their personal stories. You'll also hear from many popular children's authors who talk about books that can be engaging for kids who struggle with reading. Hear from Dav Pilkey, Carmen Agra Deedy, Patricia Polacco, Jerry Pinkney, Katherine Applegate, Henry Winkler, Raina Telgemeier, and many more.
Events, News & Reports
IDA Annual Conference (Hybrid) Reading, Literacy and Learning: Advancing Every Classroom Through the Science October 21-23, 2021 | Charlotte, NC
Reading Rockets is a national educational service of WETA, the flagship public television and radio station in the nation's capital. The goal of the project is to provide information on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.
Send your questions, comments, or suggestions to info@readingrockets.org. Our mailing address is WETA/Reading Rockets, 2775 S. Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22206. We look forward to hearing from you!
