Word Study Work Station
Debbie Diller · 2023
In the upper grades, students need to continue to learn about phonics, spelling, and vocabulary—the components that make up word study. Instruction will look different than in primary grades, as teachers focus on word etymology, Greek and Latin roots, and deeper content-area vocabulary learning. Many upper-grade students can decode accurately but have limited comprehension. Some upper-grade teachers have students keep their own word study notebooks for recording what they’re learning about words. The best way to introduce the word study work station is to begin with large-group teaching of word study routines. Upper-grade teachers often assume that older kids should simply be able to read directions and work with materials independently—without taking the time to teach students word study routines they want practiced at this station.