Rather than introducing vocabulary through word lists and sentence writing, some literacy experts are now saying the best way to teach new words is by teaching students about the world. By embedding vocabulary instruction in social studies and science units, and by having students read multiple texts about a single topic (for instance, coral reefs or the Great Depression), students may ultimately acquire more academic words.

In this webinar, literacy researchers Gina Cervetti and Tanya Wright will discuss their findings on vocabulary acquisition in the content areas, and special education teacher Jodie Westmont will explain how she uses "text sets" developed around a single topic to teach her students new words.

Underwriting for the content of this webinar has been provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Guests:

Gina Cervetti, assistant professor of literacy, language, and culture, University of Michigan's school of education

Tanya Wright, assistant professor of language and literacy, Michigan State University's college of education

Jodie Westmont, special education teacher, Washoe County school district, Reno, Nev.

This webinar will be moderated by Liana Heitin, assistant editor, Education Week

Register now for this free live webinar.

Thursday, June 4, 2015, 3 to 4 p.m. ET

Can't attend? All Education Week webinars are archived and accessible "on demand" for up to four months after the original live-streaming date.