Word Journeys: Assessment-Guided Phonics, Spelling And Vocab

Description: This trusted teacher resource and course text provides a comprehensive approach to assessing and building children's word knowledge (grades K-8). Kathy Ganske shows how carefully planned word study can improve students' reading and writing skills while fostering their appreciation of language. Complete instructions are provided for implementing the Developmental Spelling Analysis (DSA), an easy-to-use assessment tool, and for tailoring instruction to learners' strengths and weaknesses. Numerous word lists, student work samples, and "Literature Links" are included, along with 27 reproducible forms. The large-size format facilitates photocopying. Purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials. New to This Edition: *Addresses the Common Core State Standards. *Incorporates additional activities and technology tips, plus updated research findings. *Chapter explaining the meaning of word study and its role in literacy instruction, including "Researcher Voices" perspectives from noted experts. *Ideas for making the most of small-group instructional time. *Expanded "Literature Links" book lists, now including informational texts. *DSA answer sheets have been enhanced for easier scoring and several new reproducibles added. See also the companion volumes from Ganske, Word Sorts and More: Sound, Pattern, and Meaning Explorations K-3 and Mindful of Words: Spelling and Vocabulary Explorations 4-8, which provide a wealth of ready-to-use word study activities.

Review: "Word Journeys is a revelation. It shows that word study and spelling are complex cognitive acts that require intentional instruction, student interaction, and talk. Once and for all, Ganske has ensured that no teacher will ever need to teach spelling the way so many of us were instructed as children, with a reliance on rote memorization at the expense of meaning. The rich materials in this book properly situate spelling and word study at the heart of meaningful language arts instruction."--Nancy Frey, PhD, School of Teacher Education, San Diego State University "Ganske delves into the importance of meaningful experiences with words for expanding children's vocabulary and enhancing their understanding of the relationships between words. She shares practical ways to employ word study in the classroom and connect it to authentic reading and writing."--Angela Stewart, MEd, K-5 literacy staff developer, Richmond, Virginia "When it comes to good pedagogy about how to engage kids productively in the often unpredictable system of American spelling, there is nothing to match the combination of theoretical and practical 'centeredness' that I find in Word Journeys. I have been a fan of this work from the outset, and it has just gotten better with the second edition."--P. David Pearson, PhD, Graduate School of Education, University of California, Berkeley "Word Journeys, Second Edition, helps teachers implement a high-quality, rigorous curriculum that embodies the kind of integrated teaching of spelling, vocabulary, word recognition, phonics, and phonemic awareness described in the Common Core State Standards. Ganske includes extensive insights into how to group students flexibly and differentiate instruction for diverse student needs. I have used and recommended this book extensively, with good reason--it is research based, comprehensive, and, most important, it works!"--Jeffery L. Williams, MEd, K-12 literacy coach and Reading Recovery teacher leader, Solon (Ohio) City Schools "This book incorporates the latest research on word knowledge into a conceptual framework for preservice and inservice teachers. Educators will find this book a useful, well-crafted tool--its organization is clear and easy to follow, and it is filled with information to guide the implementation of a word study program. Leading teachers through targeted planning and small-group instruction, Ganske takes the mystery out of how to teach words well."--Catherine A. Rosemary, PhD, Department of Education and Allied Studies, John Carroll University