Discusses vocabulary development in content area reading and the use of a vocabulary matrix of related concepts and a t-bar chart of words related to new vocabulary. (MG)

Examines whether content textbook selections could be rewritten to enhance elementary students' comprehension of unfamiliar vocabulary. Finds that elementary students' vocabulary learning was enhanced when the texts were revised to be more considerate to the reader with attention to completeness, explicitness, proximity, and clarity of context…

Points out the superior efficiency and effectiveness of generative techniques of vocabulary development over nongenerative techniques and gives examples of both types. Generative techniques, for approaching unfamiliar words through knowledge of other words, include use of synonymy and antonymy and of external and internal context clues. (BF)

Argues that some common vocabulary teaching strategies in basal reading programs appear to be based on misconceptions. Suggests that the teacher must stress the vital connection between vocabulary learning and comprehension. (FL)

Twelve practical ways of inundating the nonreader or reluctant reader with words are presented. The author, a reading specialist, believes that learning to read probably involves 90% attitude and 10% skill, and that these vocabulary development ideas will improve both attitude and skill. (KC)

Research studies underline the differences in backgrounds for proficient writers and for nonproficient writers. Proficient writers tend to have had role models in family members whom they had observed engaging in composition. In addition, "good writers" tend to receive more encouragement in their efforts at composition from parents and teachers.…

Examines the common and distinct contributions of context-free and context reading skill to reading comprehension and the contributions of context-free reading skill and reading comprehension to context fluency. Results support the conclusion that word level processes contribute relatively more to fluency at lower levels while comprehension…

Describes the development and field-testing of Cornerstones, an approach to classroom literacy instruction for young deaf children that utilizes an educational television program and other engaging media components. Focuses on word-knowledge aspect, because of its influence on the development of background knowledge and reading comprehension.…

Presents a basic vocabulary strategy to boost elementary students' reading comprehension and success. The three steps include identifying vocabulary words that students will need to comprehend the reading; preteaching only three to five words; and connecting the new words to concepts that students already know. (SM)

Computer technology allows students to experiment with word usage and create their own meaningful words. Traditionally, students have acquired new words through reading them in context, analyzing the structure of new words, or using the dictionary. Drills in any of these techniques can be ineffective unless students are actively engaged in the…

This booklet shows parents how to help their children develop a number of strategies for understanding words by working together on a methodical, 12-week program of word study. Sections of the booklet describe the program week by week. The techniques described are: Read and Use Context; Search for Synonyms, Antonyms, Homonyms; Learn Important…

Intended to help students improve their vocabulary and spelling skills, this booklet offers activities on synonyms, antonyms, homonyms (including homophones and homographs), and acronyms. It is suggested that the teacher present these types of words as members of the "Nym Family." Ideas for posters and books to be used as instructional…

An individualized spelling program based on the 1,000 vocabulary words of the Nebraska Assessment Battery of Essential Learning Skills (N-ABELS) is described in this paper. After a discussion of the procedures used to develop the N-ABELS vocabulary lists, suggestions to be used by classroom teachers in organizing such a program are offered. Areas…

The sources used, the procedures followed, and the results obtained in updating the kindergarten through grade six communication skills lexicon are covered in this report. The final list of 322 new terms included in the lexicon are appended. (Author)

Examines 9- to 11-year-old dyslexic children's object naming problems and concludes that they are subject to verbal naming difficulties which cannot be accounted for by generally low levels of vocabulary knowledge. Attributes these difficulties to lexical-phonological representation of spoken words they know. (RS)