Review
------
"Bringing Words to Life is, without doubt, one of the best and most influential books ever published on the topic of
teaching and developing vocabulary. The second edition is even better than the first--it addresses recent issues such as
the Common Core and RTI; provides a greater number of helpful, practical examples; addresses vocabulary and writing;
takes on the challenge of providing effective vocabulary instruction for struggling readers and English learners; and
offers guidance for teaching math, science, and social studies vocabulary in the intermediate grades. This book should
be required reading for anyone seeking teacher or reading spet certification."--John Pikulski, PhD, Department of
Educational Development (Emeritus), University of Delaware
"This is a book teachers will read, reread, and refer to many times to nurture a love of language through joyful, robust
vocabulary instruction. The authors' research-based ins and advice about selecting words and systematically
presenting them to learners from all backgrounds are both practical and manageable. Teachers will delight in nurturing a
language-rich classroom where students revel in language, read better and deeper, speak effectively, and write with
purpose and clarity."--Mary Anne Rossbach, MEd, sixth-grade teacher, Fairfax County (Virginia) Public Schools
"It's hard to believe, but the second edition of Bringing Words to Life is even more comprehensive than the first. Beck,
McKeown, and Kucan have outdone themselves. Containing real-life examples and easy-to-implement strategies, this book is
a 'must have' for vocabulary instruction. It will help teachers greatly as they work to meet the Common Core
Standards."--Nancy Betler, EdD, Talent Development Facilitator, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina; Adjunct
Professor, School of Graduate and Continuing Education, Wingate University
"Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this book is its personal touch--reading it is like having a conversation with
the authors about robust vocabulary instruction. The authors share their decision making, offer warnings about potential
challenges, encourage thoughtful planning, and insist on follow-through. Teachers are amply supported in their learning
by the 'Your Turn' and 'You Try It' features, whether working on their own or in a course on literacy instruction. This
is a book designed by teachers for teachers."--Joanne F. Carlisle, PhD, School of Education, University of Michigan
"The book offers elementary, middle, and high school teachers concrete suggestions for choosing words and teaching them
to students. New chapters in the second edition provide important updates for teachers who are data driven, who have
students of varying ability levels and language backgrounds, and who focus on the reading-writing connection. Like the
first edition, this book will make a significant contribution to teacher preparation and professional development.
Specific recommendations for practice are illustrated with detailed examples of teachers implementing robust vocabulary
instruction in their classrooms."--Rebecca Silverman, EdD, College of Education, University of Maryland, College Park
About the Author
----------------
Isabel L. Beck, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Education in the School of Education and Senior Scientist at the Learning
Research and Development Center, both at the University of Pittsburgh.
Margaret G. McKeown, PhD, is Clinical Professor of Education in the School of Education and Senior Scientist at the
Learning Research and Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh.
Linda Kucan, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Instruction and Learning at the University of Pittsburgh
School of Education.