The Vocabulary Book

This extensively revised and expanded edition of the bestselling text and teaching resource incorporates the newest research in vocabulary learning and instruction into a complete and balanced program for all K–12 students, from those who struggle in school to those who excel. Literacy expert Michael Graves presents a four-pronged vocabulary program that he has developed and honed for over 30 years. The program has the following four components: Frequent, Varied, and Extensive Language Experiences; Teaching Individual Words; Teaching Word Learning Strategies; and Fostering Word Consciousness. The text includes theory, research-based strategies, vocabulary interventions, classroom examples, advice for working with English learners, discussion of next-generation standards, and more. The Vocabulary Book, Second Edition will appeal to reading and subject-area teachers, teacher educators, and school, district, and state leaders.

New for the Second Edition:

• Instructional approaches developed and classroom-tested since the release of the first edition.
• A chapter specifically on teaching vocabulary to English learners.
• A chapter specifically on selecting vocabulary words to teach.
• Curricular and instructional elements designed to meet and exceed Common Core State Standards.
• An emphasis on vocabulary as a vital resource for all students in our increasingly diverse society.

Michael F. Graves is professor emeritus of literacy education at the University of Minnesota and a member of the Reading Hall of Fame. His recent books on vocabulary include Teaching Vocabulary to English Language Learners, Teaching Individual Words: One Size Does Not Fit All, and Essential Readings on Vocabulary Instruction.

"Graves’ second edition of The Vocabulary Book is a timely, valuable, language-friendly, and compact resource for K-12 teachers. Many strategies and suggestions were provided with sufficient detail so that any K-12 educator can confidently employ the plethora of activities with the likelihood of success."

—Teachers College Record

“a timely, valuable, language-friendly, and compact resource for K12 teachers. Many strategies and suggestions were provided with enough detail so that teachers could immediately begin to use them with their students.”

—Journal of Language and Literacy Education (JOLLE)

Praise for last edition:

"An essential resource for all K-12 teachers, regardless of content area." —Oneota Reading Journal, Fall 2006

Praise for last edition:

“(A plan) broad enough to instruct students with small vocabularies, exceptional vocabularies, and every child in between.” —Reading Today,vol.23, no.3, Dc. 2005/ Jan 2006

"If you believe vocabulary instruction is vital to reading, writing, and thinking, then Michael Graves’ Second Edition of The Vocabulary Book will give you the tools for powerful instruction, as many teachers discovered with the First Edition. This book will shift your perspective and you will reap the benefits of placing vocabulary at the center of your instruction."
—Peter Dewitz, district level reading consultant, Mary Baldwin College

“Now that ‘vocabulary’ is included on the Nation’s Report Card, teachers will want to know how to help students increase their word power. Graves’s advice will be invaluable in what to do—and what not to do.”
—Robert Calfee, professor emeritus, Stanford University

“This book is an excellent resource for practitioners interested in developing a comprehensive program for building vocabulary in children. It is also of great value for researchers who wish to design and test vocabulary interventions.”
—Diane August, senior research scientist, Center for Applied Linguistics

“Michael Graves provides clear, practical, empirically grounded strategies and techniques for each component that K–12 classroom teachers and reading specialists will find invaluable. This is a must-have professional resource for the desk of all literacy and subject-matter teachers.”
—James F. Baumann, University of Georgia