Making Words Stick: Strategies that build vocabulary and reading comprehension in the elementary grades

This imaginative guide shows how to move beyond spelling lists and rote memorisation to make words both meaningful and memorable for all your pupils. It builds on the connection between vocabulary and comprehension and guides teachers in their most important task - building a strong literacy foundation. Full of efficient, effective, and engaging strategies, this useful guide explores innovative ways to organise vocabulary instruction in the primary classroom.It demonstrates how to: create a positive, pupil-centred environment for the concept-based, multi-layered learning of words; teach vocabulary during shared reading, guided reading, and independent time; incorporate visual displays of reading aloud/picture study vocabulary to develop important conceptual knowledge; introduce think-and-search prompts and stretch charts to expand word knowledge during shared reading; and build reading and writing independence with a wealth of fun small-group, and word-play challenges. From the role of semantics and syntax to a wealth of photocopiable, classroom-tested activities, this imaginative guide helps you give your students the lifelong gift of words and language.