Mindful of Words: Spelling and Vocabulary Explorations 4-8 (Solving Problems in the Teaching of Literacy) [Paperback]

Kathy Ganske Phd (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593858221 | ISBN-13: 978-1593858223 | Publication Date: June 3, 2008 | Edition: 1

Providing a wealth of tools to enhance upper-level spelling and vocabulary instruction, this engaging book features more than 120 reproducible sorting activities and games. It offers specific suggestions for helping students build mastery of vowel patterns, syllable structure, syllable stress, consonant and vowel alternations, compound words, prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Also featured are "Did You Know?" sections with absorbing stories about specific words; tips from teachers at different grade levels; discussions of idioms; literature recommendations; and lists of vocabulary related to social studies, science, and math. Teachers can use this book on its own or in conjunction with Ganske's bestselling Word Journeys, which presents a comprehensive approach to assessing and building word knowledge.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mindful of Words is an invaluable addition to the upper-grade teacher's resource shelf. It illuminates the intermediate teacher's role in providing meaningful, intellectually stimulating word study. I found the 'Teacher to Teacher' sections, which show exactly how teachers and principals have incorporated Ganske's suggestions in their classrooms and schools, to be extremely useful. I also loved the 'Did You Know' sections. I rediscovered information about words I had long forgotten or never knew. This book will help teachers make their own love of language contagious to kids!"--Ellin Oliver Keene, MA, Director of Research and Development, Public Education and Business Coalition, Denver, Colorado

"Ganske has once again succeeded in providing classroom teachers with a valuable tool for differentiating instruction and meeting the instructional needs of individual learners. Upper-elementary and middle school teachers have been anxiously awaiting the kind of guidance and instructional support Ganske gives them for a systematic, developmental approach to word study. One of the many strengths of Ganske's approach is her attention to motivation; she appeals to students' curiosity and humor. I can't wait to share this essential resource with students in my teacher education classes and professional development workshops."--Deanna Birdyshaw, PhD, School of Education, University of Michigan

"Teachers in grades 4-8 who use the word study approach for spelling and vocabulary instruction will welcome this new resource. It will save hours of work in devising well-crafted lessons. What is especially appealing is the organization of the teacher support for each word sort. Many opportunities for differentiation of instruction are included, and vignettes from practitioners add useful techniques for the classroom. Using this book will help teachers go a long way in developing their students' appreciation for language."--Sondra R. Markman, EdM, K-8 curriculum supervisor, Warren Township School District, Warren, New Jersey

"Mindful of Words is a comprehensive resource for the implementation of quality word study for students in the upper stages of spelling and word development. Literacy educators will benefit from this clear and concise guide that promotes students’ flexibility with words and their enthusiasm for the complexities of the English language. Ganske’s systematic approach to word study provides an integral component of the foundation on which proficient reading is built."--Robin Seeker, MA, literacy consultant, St. Vrain Valley School District, Longmont, Colorado

"Ganske has done it again, providing a resource that will allow for meaningful differentiated instruction in the area of word study in grades 4-8. In an era of reform that embraces research-based practices, this resource clearly guides teachers in putting theory into practice. Using this book will result in more engaging instruction that better prepares students to decode, compose, and comprehend sophisticated texts."--Michelle Huntress, MA, Reading Consultant, Storm Lake Community School District, Storm Lake, Iowa

About the Author

Kathy Ganske, PhD, is Professor of the Practice of Literacy and Director of Elementary Education at the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University. Previously, she was a professor at Oberlin College and Rowan University. Dr. Ganske is a former classroom teacher in primary through upper elementary grades in various regions of the country.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (June 3, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593858221
• ISBN-13: 978-1593858223
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kathy Ganske, PhD, is Associate Professor of Literacy in the Graduate Teacher Education Program at Oberlin College. She is the author of numerous articles and books on literacy. Prior to her move to Ohio, she was a professor at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. Dr. Ganske is a former classroom teacher of primary through upper-elementary grades and has taught in many regions of the country.