Mindful of Words

“A great resource for upper-level word study. Ganske shares strategies and routines that can easily be incorporated into the instructional day through large- and small-group instruction, literacy stations, and independent study. Her systematic approach is well grounded in research and classroom experience. The book provides a sample script and suggested activities for each component, including a mini-lesson for academic vocabulary development and engagement activities that can be generalized to other lessons. Each word sort includes Talking Points and Considerations that informs the instructional delivery and allows teachers to differentiate appropriately for students. The SAIL lesson framework includes useful oral and written assessment components that focus on deeper understanding of word meanings.”

—Brit Sikes, EdS, literacy specialist, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Tennessee


“Linking vocabulary development to spelling and writing is the foundation of Ganske's approach. This book shows how student talk and teacher observation are the focal points of effective teaching that makes students interested in words. Highlights of the second edition include practical insights from researchers and more explicit suggestions for working with multilingual learners. The new SAIL framework emphasizes the importance of connecting word study with students’ background knowledge. Providing concrete strategies and a rich array of instructional tools, this accessible resource for teachers and teacher educators expands our knowledge about what makes vocabulary so important.”

—Pamela A. Mason, EdD, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education


“Filled with intriguing and delightful examples, this book will be an asset to upper-elementary and middle school English language arts teachers and reading specialists. The many examples of word lists and instructional practices include clear guidance on how to use the practices, with whom, and why. The second edition includes perspectives from literacy researchers as well as expert teachers, through firsthand accounts that expand on and provide grounding for Ganske's instructional recommendations.”

—Amy C. Crosson, EdD, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Penn State College of Education


“Too often, understanding the power of words is reserved only for a portion of the classroom community—particularly eluding key populations such as low-socioeconomic status students and students with disabilities. In this updated second edition, Ganske provides explicit teaching strategies that are helpful for all learners. As a resource specialist provider who collaborates with general education teachers, I find the strategies in this book immensely useful. With Ganske’s work, now all students can have access to the power of words.”

—Laura Wilczek, MEd, resource specialist provider, Chula Vista Elementary School District, California