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.
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.
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.
LLiteracy expert Tim Shanahan reviews what the research tells us about teaching students to use context clues to determine meaning. He recommends that we focus on sense-making, rather than pure word learning, and notes that “kids need to recognize when context could help and when it is not likely to.” Read Shanahan’s latest blog post for all the nuance on what this looks like.
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 self-paced course module 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.
Is this scenario familiar to you? At Nystrom Elementary, located in Oakland, CA, all students read, talk, and write about grade-level text for an hour or more during a block of time centered around a knowledge-building curriculum. But, says Nystrom literacy coach Margaret Goldberg, “many of our students don’t have the phonics knowledge and reading fluency necessary to read grade level texts without support, so my whole school has also banded together for differentiated instruction in foundational skills.”
See how Nystrom successfully implemented “Walk to Read” — a dedicated block of time where students receive foundational skills instruction aligned with their needs. Teamwork, smart use of student assessment, and a healthy dose of humility have led to big gains for the kids — and re-energized teachers!
In this special Reading Rockets video series, reading expert Linda Farrell works one-on-one with students in grades K-3 to help ensure that they master the skills they need to become proficient readers.
The video series shows what it really takes to teach critical skills such as naming letters accurately, blending and manipulating the sounds in words, mastering the connection between letters and sounds, recognizing spelling patterns, and reading multisyllable words.
Free Viewer’s Guides and Facilitator’s Guides accompany each video, to support professional development in your school or district. (Created in partnership with the National Education Association)
Educator, PD consultant, and Schoolutions podcast producer Olivia Wahl talks with Readsters® co-founder, Linda Farrell about the Reading Rockets Looking at Reading Interventions series. Linda offers tips for caregivers and educators to support their readers and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. She explains changes she would make to education and intervention systems to help striving readers.
Here’s the paradox — the 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.
To learn more about how to support your students with dyslexia, try this free online tutorial from the National Center on Improving Literacy: Reading Instruction for Students with Dyslexia.
Children are naturally fascinated by the lives of real people and the natural world around them. And building background knowledge is key to children's academic success. Our resources can help you find great nonfiction picture books and offer tips on how to get the most out of reading nonfiction. Nonfiction can sometimes turn a reluctant reader into an enthusiastic one!
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.
Traci is a Cherokee Nation citizen who lives on her tribe’s reservation in northeastern Oklahoma. Formerly a federal Indian law attorney and policy advocate, Traci now focuses on writing fiction and nonfiction books for young people. Her award-winning debut nonfiction picture book We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, illustrated by Frané Lessac, celebrates each season and the value of expressing gratitude throughout the year.
In our interview, Traci talks about the history we need to know in We Are Still Here, the importance of centering Native peoples and history in her books, finding authentic books, and much more. Wado (thank you) for sharing with us, Traci!
Do you know any creative kids who love to tinker, build things (and take things apart ...), and solve problems? 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. See all 24 kid-friendly topics at Start with a Book ›
Nonfiction books give kids a chance to learn new concepts and vocabulary, as well as broaden their view of the world. Learn how to take a “book walk” with a new nonfiction book and model active reading. (in English and Spanish)
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, developed in partnership with the National Education Association.
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.
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!
