Description
This course provides K-12 educators with effective strategies and techniques to enhance students’ vocabulary knowledge across content areas. Based on the book The Vocabulary Playbook by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey, the course will emphasize a multidisciplinary approach to vocabulary instruction that goes beyond traditional word lists. Educators will address a crucial aspect of literacy development: vocabulary acquisition. They will also be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to foster a love of words and promote academic success through intentional and engaging vocabulary instruction, enriching their skills in content delivery. By engaging in the course’s interactive components, educators will be prepared to implement research-based strategies that encourage students to become curious, capable word learners across all grade levels and subject areas.
Course Outline
Week 1: Student Orientation
Week 2: Make It Intentional: A Framework for Vocabulary Instruction
Week 3: Make it Transparent: How to Use Direct Instruction and Model Word Solving
Week 4: Make it Transferable: How to Harness the Power of Morphology
Week 5: Make it Usable: How to Build Academic Vocabulary Through Peer Collaboration
Week 6: Make It Personal: How to Promote Independence and Word Consciousness Among Students
Week 7: Make Sure They Know: Assessment Word Knowledge
Prerequisites
This is an intermediate level course for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers with Internet access. In addition, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and with using word processing software, email, and attachments.
Required Materials
The Vocabulary Playbook by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey is a required professional book for this class. It can be ordered from Amazon as a digital edition or in spiral-bound format for about $30. All materials in this course are the property of the South Carolina Department of Education Office of VirtualSC PD. All course materials needed/required for the course, other than the book mentioned above, are available online.