Fun-tastic Activities for Differentiating Comprehension Instruction, Grades 2–6 —
Abstract of

Chapter 4
Activities to Build Vocabulary Knowledge and Word Skills

Sandra K. Athans

Denise Ashe Devine

Building vocabulary and word skills, especially in the content areas, is critical for students in grades 2–6, and this chapter provides Literacy Bin Activities that can help target and strengthen student word abilities. Within guided-reading lessons, content-based vocabulary and word-skill instruction are integrated, and readers will learn how to teach, practice, and monitor students' use of word-attack strategies that use context and morphology (breaking words apart) clues. Dictionary and glossary skills are also covered, and entries are discussed during guided-reading instruction with teacher support and guidance. The Literacy Bins Activities in this chapter are designed to 1) reinforce key content words, 2) encourage word-attack and word-building skill practice, 3) increase exposure to vocabulary-rich activities, and 4) help build word consciousness in unique ways. In keeping with the recommendation of literacy experts, you might wish to review your collective vocabulary and word-building activities and, after reviewing information presented in this chapter, consider how the use of the Literacy Bins will best supplement them.

Athans, S.K., & Devine, D. (2010). Activities to Build Vocabulary Knowledge and Word Skills. In Fun-tastic Activities for Differentiating Comprehension Instruction, Grades 2–6 (pp. 59-76). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.