Making Meaning: Research-Based Strategies for Vocabulary Instruction

This workshop addresses the growing recognition of vocabulary instruction as a foundational element of reading comprehension and academic success. Grounded in decades of research, it presents a comprehensive framework for building robust vocabulary instruction across grade levels. Participants will explore four critical components—providing rich and varied language experiences, teaching individual words, imparting word-learning strategies, and fostering word consciousness. Through hands-on activities and modeling, educators will learn how to embed vocabulary strategies into their daily instruction in ways that are practical, engaging, and curriculum-aligned.

• Infrequent or inconsistent vocabulary instruction in classrooms
• Lack of explicit strategies for teaching new words and word-learning techniques
• Low student engagement and awareness around vocabulary growth
• Disconnection between vocabulary instruction and content-area learning

• ‍Understanding the Four-Part Framework for Vocabulary Instruction
  Participants will learn how to plan and deliver vocabulary instruction using four evidence-based components: (1) providing rich and varied language experiences; (2) teaching individual words; (3) teaching word-learning strategies; and (4) promoting word consciousness.‍
• Practical Implementation of Vocabulary Strategies
  Educators will engage in model activities and instructional routines that can be immediately integrated into their existing curriculum. These strategies are designed to be adaptable across content areas and grade levels.‍
• Creating a Vocabulary-Rich Classroom Culture
  Teachers will gain tools for fostering an environment where word curiosity and exploration are celebrated. This includes strategies to increase student motivation to use, explore, and master new vocabulary in both academic and social contexts