The Power of Words Learning Vocabulary in Grades 4-9

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, _I sold it, but they didn't buy it,_ about his product. Greenwood provides teachers with the hows and whys of effective vocabulary instruction, through the use of visual organizers, user-friendly appendices, classroom vignettes, and simple, clear language, encouraging professionals to truly engage their pupils.

Scott C. Greenwood is 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.