What

Vocabulary is knowledge of the pronunciation and meaning of words.

Oral vocabulary is words used in speaking or recognized while listening.

Reading vocabulary includes words recognized and understood in print.

Why

Vocabulary is critically important in reading instruction.  The larger a reader’s vocabulary, the easier it is to make sense of text.  Vocabulary should be taught directly and indirectly, with repetition and multiple exposures in rich contexts and incidental learning.  (National Reading Panel, 2006)

How

Each lesson exposes students to vocabulary while they read and discuss words, sentences, and passages.  In addition, students listen to high-level, high-interest passages, allowing them to build their oral vocabulary with words which are too difficult for them to read.