Considers how there is no orthographic analogy effect for words with common end patterns (e.g. beak-peak). Assesses a group of beginning readers' phonological awareness and vocabulary. Indicates that while rime-based analogies seem to be phonological rather than orthographic in nature, beginning readers are able to use an orthographic analogy…

Considers how the reading-level match design has become a widely-used tool for investigating the possible direction of the relation between particular skills and word reading ability: cause or consequence. Outlines an analogous method for identifying candidate causes of reading comprehension failure, the "comprehension-age match design."…

Reports the results of a study of six major reading series to learn which prefixes are taught and at what grade level. (BR)

Presents the results of the Best Teaching Idea contest that sparked a response that flooded the editors with entries. Here are the 20 adjudged the best ranging all the way from self-made computers to games made by kids to be played with parents. (Editor/RK)

Extracts guidelines from research for incorporating vocabulary instruction into the everyday routines of the classroom. (EL)

After reviewing the literature, this paper seeks to show the importance and significance of direct vocabulary instruction on students' critical literacy skills; specifically, reading comprehension. Although some may suggest that the greatest amount of vocabulary growth occurs through incidental word learning in wide reading, research indicates…

Presents examples of classroom activities designed to improve reading through improved vocabulary. (RB)

Describes a study in which investigators attempted to provide an example for approaching vocabulary development from a theoretical basis and tried to provide empirical support for some techniques presently used in teaching word meanings. (Author/HOD)

This integrated, cross-curricular theme unit has children become immersed in the equine world as they broaden their vocabulary, participate in hands-on science and math, explore art, become aware of the horse's important role in history, and learn about good grooming. A student reproducible, a poetry poster, and a poster on the coloring of horses…

Explores the role of vocabulary in reading development and suggests some classroom-tested approaches for nurturing students' vocabulary development and interest. Discusses vocabulary growth, vocabulary and concept development, and active processing of vocabulary. Discusses applications and examples of active-process vocabulary instruction,…

Outlines a vocabulary strategy that transforms students into "word detectives," while immersing them in reading and encouraging them to find out the meaning of unknown words. Describes how "lead detectives" use graphic organizers, briefings on word "suspects," and notes several extensions to this activity. (SR)

Shedding light on the current debate on the nature of the relationship between vocabulary instruction and reading comprehension, a study investigated student perceptions of the present state of vocabulary instruction. Subjects, 20 students from each of three grade levels (first, fifth, and eighth), from two schools in suburban Maryland, were…

Describes principled, research-based ways to consider vocabulary instruction. Focuses on the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension, the role of direct instruction, and definitional, contextual, and conceptual methods of vocabulary instruction. (SKC)

Administered forms L and M of the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised (PPVT-R) to 39 fourth, 39 fifth, and 38 sixth graders. Results showed that coefficients of correlation between scores of the PPVT-R and academic grades for language, mathematics, reading, spelling, science, and social studies ranged from -.18 to .67. (Author/LLL)