The Power of Words: Learning Vocabulary in Grades 4-9

"Scott C. Greenwood breathes new life into vocabulary and comprehension instruction. His methods demonstrate instruction strategies far beyond worksheets and writing sentences. He enables students to make a connection with the vocabulary that will last beyond the next test. This book is rich with resources for every teacher to apply to his or her own classroom. The tools provided will allow and encourage even the most resistant student to enjoy vocabulary lessons."---Lynn Dolata, fifth grade teacher, Oxford, Pennsylvania

"Greenwood's knowledge of teaching, classroom realities, and middle-level learners is evident on each page. In this volume, teachers will find ways to make their students aware of the power of words and techniques to create independent word learners. Greenwood has not only included specific step-by-step directions for immediate classroom use but he has also explained the research that supports this approach."---Sharon B. Kletzien, professor emerita, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

"Greenwood's book combines a useful balanced approach to ensuring the fidelity of today's reading and language arts curricula (i.e., natural methods between both basal and integrated language arts). His focus on vocabulary comprehension strategies and activities is invaluable."---Gary Rosenzweig, middle school reading and language arts teacher, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

"Written in an engaging manner and sprinkled with vignettes, The Power of Words presents a valuable plethora of what Greenwood calls `indirect, direct, general, and specific' vocabulary development activities appropriate for the middle and junior high school grades, including English Language Learners. I learned from this book and will make it required reading for my teacher education students."---Patrick P. McCabe, associate professor of literacy, and coordinator, program in literacy, St. John's University, Queens, New York

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." Scott C. Greenwood provides teachers with the hows and whys of effective vocabulary instruction through the use of visual organizers, user-friendly appendixes, 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.