The Power of Words

Teachers are intuitively aware of the connection between academic vocabulary and reading comprehension. Unfortunately, despite what we know about active instruction of vocabulary that will be retained by our students, teachers often assign vocabulary but rarely teach it well. The results are akin to a salesman who says about his product, 'I sold it, but they didn't buy it.' Greenwood provides teachers with the hows and whys of effective vocabulary instruction, through the use of visual organizers, user-friendly appendixes, classroom vignettes, and simple, clear language, encouraging professionals to truly engage their pupils.

Scott C. Greenwood is an associate professor of literacy at West Chester University and has served as a secondary English teacher, a middle school developmental reading teacher, an elementary reading specialist, and a K-12 supervisor of language arts.

Chapter 1 Why This Book?
Chapter 2 What Works: Principles of Sound Vocabulary Instruction
Chapter 3 What's to Come: Indirect, Direct, General, and Specific Methodologies
Chapter 4 Vocabulary and Narrative Texts
Chapter 5 Teaching Vocabulary in the Content Areas
Chapter 6 Vocabulary and Writing
Chapter 7 Structural Analysis and Word Parts
Chapter 8 Using Dictionaries and Other Tools of Reference
Chapter 9 Serendipity
Chapter 10 The Assessment of Vocabulary, Including Test Preparation