Essential Strategies for Word Study

Book excerpt: Defining word study as the direct exploration and analysis of words--through phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction--the authors maintain that it is most effective when sound, spelling, and meaning are examined simultaneously. To that end, they offer thirty engaging activities divided into three sections: exploring word structure, examining word meanings, and extending word learning. Provides 30 fun and engaging activities that help students draw on the combined power of sound, spelling, and meaning to investigate words, including high frequency words, word families, and idioms. Suggests ways to build a robust vocabulary across content areas, enabling independent reading of challenging content reading material. Explains how to design your own word study program, and offers scheduling tips and alternate ways to organize depending on the grade level you teach.