Making Words REAL

Book excerpt: Learn how to tap into the power of imagery, communication, and collaboration to make vocabulary building fun and meaningful! Research has proven that students with a larger, more nuanced vocabulary become more proficient readers, writers, critical thinkers, and learners, making them more likely to succeed in academic environments. In this new book from Joanne M. Billingsley, an award-winning teacher and educational consultant, you will discover how to help your K-12 students expand their academic vocabulary across the content areas. Topics include: Using card sorts and video trailers to make vocabulary-building interactive; Expanding your teaching strategies to support ELLs and early readers; Building students’ word knowledge through emblematic and iconic gestures; Writing and asking scaffolded questions to get all students engaged with academic vocabulary; And much, much more! The book also features sample teacher-to-student dialogues to demonstrate how to talk about words, as well as games and activities that motivate students and help word meanings stick. No matter what subject area you teach, your students will benefit from the exciting and powerful strategies in this book.