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Vocabulary The National Reading Panel (2000) stated, “The importance of vocabulary knowledge has long been recognized in the development of reading skills.” Vocabulary instruction is vital for success in oral reading in all content areas. All students, especially struggling readers and ELLs, benefit from both direct and indirect vocabulary instruction. "Vocabulary instruction experts all recommend a multi-component approach to developing vocabulary knowledge" (Sedita, 2005). Using a variety of research-based strategies will aid in the instruction of vocabulary. The International Reading Association (2002) has identified listening, speaking, reading, writing, and sight as specific types of vocabulary that should be taught through the various strategies discussed in this Wiki.

Marzano, Beck, Blachowicz, Fisher, as well as countless others have spent significant time studying best practices in the area of vocabulary instruction. Through their extensive research a clear link between vocabulary and comprehension has been established. “It is important for children to develop knowledge of words’ meanings from a young age because vocabulary development has an impact on their reading comprehension and academic success as they get older” (Chall, Jacobs, & Baldwin 1990). As research has shown, it is important for teachers to incorporate vocabulary instruction across the curriculum daily and identify those strategies that differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners.