2013-2014 Michigan State Universitys Literacy Colloquy Presentation

Drs. Susan Neuman & Tanya Wright

Tuesday, October 22nd 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Erickson Room: 116H

All About Words: Increasing Vocabulary in the Common Core Classroom, Prek-2
Susan Neuman (via Skype) and Tanya Wright will discuss our new book, All About Words which presents our findings from research on the World of Words (WOW) curriculum for a teacher audience. In particular, our presentation will focus on writing for a range of educational audiences. Vocabulary forms a relentless divide between children who succeed and those who do not. This divide is often between poor children and their privileged counterparts. Without vocabulary knowledge, children cannot interpret text meaningfully or respond in ways that enable them to fully participate in classroom discussions. All About Words is a practical guide designed to help early childhood teachers take advantage of the unique opportunity provided by the Common Core State Standards. It offers strategies for planning and presenting vocabulary instruction and for monitoring childrens word learning progress, along with helpful appendices that provide specific guidance on which words to teach. Each chapter includes ideas to support home-school connections, recognizing the important role parents play in childrens vocabulary development. Throughout, the authors encourage readers to examine day-to-day classroom issues, making it an ideal resource for professional development.
Susan B. Neuman (University of Michigan/ New York University) is a specialist in early literacy development; whose research and teaching interests include early childhood policy, curriculum, and early reading instruction for children who live in poverty. Tanya S. Wright (Michigan State University) is a former kindergarten teacher whose interests include instruction, teacher education and teacher professional development in the area of early language and literacy. Her research focuses on the teachers role in promoting oral language, vocabulary and background knowledge development for young children.