Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the words children must know to communicate effectively. In school terms, it can be described as oral vocabulary or reading vocabulary. Find out more about effective vocabulary instruction, the relationship between vocabulary and comprehension, and practical ways that parents can introduce new, exciting words to their kids.

Refresh your vocabulary instruction! Try the Vocabulary module in our free, self-paced online course, Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing.

Featured Video: Vocabulary

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Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Vivica Fox

Learn more about spelling patterns, invented spelling, and how writing, spelling, and reading reinforce each other.

Steve Graham

See how one teacher creates a community of writers in her classroom.

 

Classroom Strategies

Each strategy includes instructions on how to use, downloadable templates and examples, video demonstrations, children's books to use with the strategy, differentiation for ELLs and students with learning disabilities, and supporting research.

Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

"So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away. And in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall." — Roald Dahl