Laura J. Robb – författare

Here is a reading riddle: What knowledge always precedes high-level text comprehension and yet seldom is given sufficient instructional time?

The answer: Word knowledge. 

Our students can’t understand texts without knowing what words mean. It’s that simple. Meanwhile, in our rush toward complex texts, somehow we forget to put a new systematic vocabulary plan in place. In Vocabulary Is Comprehension, Laura Robb provides the instructional plan. And just wait until you see the results!

Laura’s plan takes just 10 to 15 minutes, and much of it is spent in partner and independent work so this is no “add on” to squeeze in. Even better, all materials are included.  Each lesson features a student reproducible along with 50+ pieces of short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—or, if you prefer, use your own text.

Here’s how the plan works:

Day 1: You read aloud the short text and students discuss the selected words in their context. Students work in pairs, rereading the text to understand words and phrases, and then share understandings as a class. Days 2 & 3: Students finish partner work and complete the reproducible.

Along the way, the 35+ lessons:

Support complex text comprehension Cover academic vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, multiple meanings, figurative language, denotative and connotative meanings, Greek and Latin roots, and more Address specific CCSS vocabulary and writing standards Include strategies for ELLs and developing readers, and formative assessments  Link to a wealth of online reproducibles, words lists, and printable complex texts

Laura surrounds these ready-to-teach lessons with the routines that help students read increasingly demanding texts across the curriculum. Students blog, tweet, and apply words in many different contexts . . . look out for related words in books, ads, and media . . . and many other collaborative activities that promote deep word knowledge rather than shallow word-defining. If you’re looking for a resource that will make all the difference as you address the new reach for rigorous, complex text reading, Vocabulary Is Comprehension is it.

An author, teacher, coach, and speaker, LAURA ROBB has spent the last four decades in middle school education.  What teachers appreciate most about Laura is her deep commitment to children and adolescents, and her ability to show what best-practice instruction looks like day by day; a survey conducted by Instructor magazine named Laura as one of the nation’s top twenty educators. Currently, in addition to her speaking and consulting, she works part time in grades K-8. 

 

All On-Your-Feet Guide orders receive FREE SHIPPING! Use code SHIPOYFG at check out.

We know from research and classroom experience that there’s a strong correlation between students’ vocabulary and reading comprehension…but we also know that many students, especially in middle grades, avoid independent reading. So, it’s imperative that we provide consistent vocabulary instruction in ELA classes and throughout content areas.         

Teaching words in related groups can increase students’ vocabulary acquisition as well as their excitement about words. Plus, learning words in related groups improves comprehension, builds concepts and connections, and deepens student’s knowledge of how and when to use different forms of a word.

This On-Your-Feet Guide will help teachers:

·        Understand the connection between vocabulary and comprehension

·        Focus on one doable, replicable, everyday strategy for teaching specific words in related groups

·        Differentiate instruction based on students’ needs

·        Trouble-shoot and scaffold learners through specific vocabulary learning snags

 

Use this guide to get kids talking and thinking about words – which leads to much deeper learning than rote-memorization lists.

On-Your-Feet Guides (OYFGs) provide you with the ultimate “cheat sheet” to implement effective change in your classroom while in the moment of teaching. Designed for accessibility, and providing step-by-step guidance, the OYFGs are written by experts who take research-based practices and make them doable for the busy teacher. Each On-Your-Feet Guide is laminated, 8.5”x11” tri-fold (6 pages), and 3-hole punched. Use the On-Your-Feet Guides- When you know the “what” but need help with the “how”- As a quick reference to support a practice you learned in a PD workshop or book- To learn how to implement foundational practices- When you want to help your students learn a specific strategy, routine, or approach, but aren’t sure how to do it yourself