In two experiments, 1.5-year-olds were taught novel words whose sound patterns were phonologically similar to familiar words (novel neighbors) or were not (novel nonneighbors). Learning was tested using a picture-fixation task. In both experiments, children learned the novel nonneighbors but not the novel neighbors. In addition, exposure to the…

This project investigated six 2nd-grade students' use of word study instruction to mediate spelling while writing in their journals. In particular, the researchers examined the students' use of the orthographic principles, sample words, and spelling strategies that had been taught during developmental word study lessons. Results of the project…

Presents terms used in the elementary classroom for language arts, history, and social science. Explains that knowledge of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes can help students to understand new social studies terms. Includes a list of primary word parts, intermediate word parts, and lesson ideas. Notes those ideas suitable for a sheltered lesson.…

Literacy is an increasingly important factor as schools focus on improving student achievement. Literacy skills in reading and writing are critical components needed for both access to the general curriculum and for successful academic achievement. A key component of reading and writing is word identification, a skill deficit for many adolescent…

Discusses why word families should be taught. Argues that the timing of such instruction is critical and that teachers can use children's invented spelling to determine what they already know and what they are ready to learn. Offers a developmental perspective to guide teachers in the planning and pacing of word-family instruction. (SR)

Suggests lessons based on categorizing and several learning modalities to expand students' vocabulary. (MKM)

In three experiments on auditory free recall of words, involving 10 learning disabled (LD) and 10 nondisabled (ND) elementary students, the ND recalled more low and high cognitive effort words than LD students. Supports the hypothesis that ND and LD readers differ in processing capacity; however, cognitive effort improves results. (Authors)

Offers exercises to assist poor readers as well as good readers in using the dictionary. (DD)

Some games for developing children's reading skills are described. (JD)

Describes a word analysis procedure for college developmental readers in which an unfamiliar word is written on the board, suffixes and prefixes marked off, and familiar related words offered as clues. Notes that students must use a similar procedure throughout the term in identifying how they analyzed unknown words. (RS)

Provides questions that help students focus on the significant differences between words when studying synonyms. (MM)

An acronym, a word formed from the first letters of other words, is often used to name products or organizations. For example, when Hermione Granger, a very clever student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is enraged over the wizarding world's treatment of house-elves, she creates an organization to help put an end to this injustice.…

Cites a number of references from linguists and other researchers about the relative unimportance of knowing where to divide words according to rules. Offers alternative ideas for teaching syllabication. (FL)

Designed to motivate word study in fifth graders, this learning center includes five separate stations with activities in etymology and language study. (SJL)

Describes a model that distinguishes seven types of meaning that can function in reading: discoursal, lexical, morphological, propositional, syntactic, rhetorical, and functional. (MKM)