For the Love of Words

Many elementary students today have a reading and speaking vocabulary far below what is expected and necessary for their grade level. For the Love of Words offers teachers a practical and systematic instructional framework for helping students overcome “the vocabulary gap” so they can succeed academically, especially in reading comprehension. Unlike conventional “skill and drill” instruction, this approach helps students understand why a strong vocabulary is so critical for their success in reading and writing and develop strategies for learning new words based on the best of current research.

Foreword by Nell K. Duke, Ed.D. Preface. Acknowledgments. The Authors. ONE: The Importance of Developing a Robust Vocabulary. TWO: The Developmental Aspects of Vocabulary Learning. THREE: Understanding Approaches to Teaching Vocabulary. FOUR: A Framework and Strategies for Direct Instruction. FIVE: Planning for Incidental Learning. SIX: Creating a Customized Word List. SEVEN: Deciding When and How to Introduce New Words. EIGHT: Assessing Students’ Progress. Epilogue. Appendix: A List of Essential Words by Grade Level. References. Index.