Get ready to hit a home run with your vocabulary instruction! In this session, you’ll learn how to round the bases by selecting high-utility Tier 2 words, understanding the three tiers of vocabulary, and introducing new words through explicit, robust instruction that sticks. Whether you have a mandated curriculum or the freedom to choose, these strategies will elevate your students’ word knowledge and reading comprehension.
We’ll cover every step of the game plan—from choosing words with the greatest impact to engaging students with word play and practice. You’ll learn how to create meaningful, research-based activities that not only build word knowledge but also deepen comprehension. We’ll explore the connections between phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary, showing how these foundational skills work together to develop confident, capable readers.
Throughout the session, you’ll gain insights into assessing vocabulary growth and tracking progress to ensure every student is rounding the bases and heading toward reading success. Did we say homerun? Let's take that up a few notches to a vocabulary Grand Slam! You’ll leave ready to coach your students to a vocabulary victory that will last well beyond the classroom.
L.3.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 3 reading and content, choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.
L.3.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate conversational, general academic, and domain-specific vocabulary.
4th Grade:
L.4.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 4 reading and content.
L.4.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary.
5th Grade:
L.5.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 5 reading and content
L.5.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary.
6th Grade:
L.6.4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 6 reading and content.
L.6.6: Acquire and accurately use grade-appropriate academic and domain-specific vocabulary to enhance expression and comprehension.
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2002). Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction.