Vocabulary Their Way: Word Study with Middle and Secondary Students

by Houghton Mifflin Company, Francine Johnston, Donald R. Bear

The author team that developed the research-rooted word study phenomenon Words Their Way turn their attention to the same kind of hands on, research based approach to developing vocabulary with students in intermediate, middle, and secondary grades. The text offers research-tested ideas for helping students use word patterns to puzzle out meaning to content area vocabulary. It also provides much needed assessment information to help teachers gauge where to begin instruction, as well as hands on opportunities for teachers to keep student attention and interest as they build vocabulary.

Genres: Professional Development, Education

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 25, 2008

About the author

In 2007, Houghton Mifflin became part of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH).

Reviews

[Jessica Lynn]

Vocabulary is always something that many of my students struggle with. I use the Word Their Way books to teach word study, so when I saw that the authors had also put together a vocabulary book, I picked it up. I liked several things about this book. First, it frames vocabulary as an integral part of content instruction. It is not a separate thing. When we teach vocabulary, we are teaching content. Second, it breaks down the unique challenges with vocabulary that special populations (i.e. special education, English language learners) have when it comes to learning vocabulary and provides specific strategies to use with these groups. Third, it has chapters for different content areas. In each of these chapters, the authors talk about the unique instructional needs for each discipline and describe several strategies and activities that can be used and adapted. There are several useful resources in the appendix, including ready-made assessments and other handouts. I definitely see myself referencing this book a lot in the future as I work to revamp my vocabulary instruction.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt]

This is a fantastic resource for teachers. Full of ideas about how to teach language and vocabulary which are easy to implement in the classroom. Especially great for content area teachers who need help scaffolding literacy.