A multi-faceted and robust program, Vocabulary
Workshop is also easy to use and incorporates online resources. The
instructional approach is rooted in contextual learning coupled with systematic
instruction and practice exercises that provide multiple exposures to the
words. Vocabulary-building strategies as well as writing exercises, and word
relationships/meanings are all incorporated.
Units are covered in one or two weeks. Words for each unit
are introduced through the reading of (and/or listening to) a literary passage.
These excerpts are taken from a broad range of grade-appropriate written
material: magazine articles, myths, fiction, biography, textbooks, and reports.
Students participate in preparing dictionary type of entries for each word by
completing sample sentences. Additional practice exercises in each unit include
choosing the right word, matching the meaning, word studies (prefixes,
suffixes, roots), synonyms, and antonyms.
Shades of meaning can be one of the biggest challenges in
learning new words and this series addresses idioms, proverbs, similes,
metaphors, denotation and connotation, and others. After every three units
there is a review lesson that has additional practice exercises in classifying
(choosing a word that goes with a group of words), completing the idea, and
vocabulary for comprehension (an exercise that involves reading a passage that
includes many of the review words and then answering reading comprehension
questions). Writing prompts using vocab words are integrated at
grade-appropriate levels in all the courses.
The Student Books are consumable with an
accent color and include instructional material as well as all exercises. Teacher
Books include all student pages (with answers) plus overview
information on the course, planning/pacing guides, ELL support, and teaching
strategies for each segment of the units. For every course there are literature
suggestions for additional reading. Often, sample sentences used in the lessons
will be taken directly from these classic literature selections.
Easy to access and navigate Online Resources parallel
each unit. Here the student can listen to the introductory passage as well as
each word distinctly pronounced. There are also flashcards, games, and practice
quizzes for additional reinforcement (and fun!).
Available for grades 1 through 12+, there are a few
differences between the elementary levels (grades 1-5) and the upper levels.
Course structure in the two levels is essentially the same with the
grade-appropriate differences you would expect. Tests are handled differently,
however. In Grades 1-5, there are Test Booklets in
two forms (A & B) with perforated pages available as separate purchases.
These include unit tests as well as a mid-year and final test with answers in
the Teacher Edition. In Grades 6-12+, the test booklets are
optional and since we are unable to get the answer keys, we don't sell them. A
final mastery test, however, is included in the Student Book (with
answers in the TE).
Grades 1-5 teacher and student books are
8.5"x 11" with 18 units (12 words) each.
Teacher and student books for Grades 6-12+ are
smaller (6"x 9") with 15 units (20 words) plus five Review and five
Word Study units. These upper-level courses also have a few additional
features. They include QR codes that will take the student directly to the
online resources. Additionally, there are illustrations to accompany the
introductory passage as well as many still photos from classic movies (i.e. the
1956 version of Around the World in 80 Days). These photos
"just happen" to parallel the classic reading suggestions for each
course. ~ Janice
