Kickstarting a Year of Intentional Vocabulary Instruction

As the school year begins, it's essential to celebrate a strong start while turning our focus toward long-term goals. One of the most impactful areas we can target this year is vocabulary instruction. Rather than relying on traditional rote memorization, we're embracing a more meaningful, research-based approach.

According to Fisher and Frey’s Vocabulary Playbook, effective vocabulary instruction should be intentional, transparent, transferable, usable, and personal. This year, we’re committed to fostering a schoolwide culture of vocabulary growth through collaborative cycles, training in Orton-Gillingham and Vocabulary CODE, and data-informed assessment practices. As Hollis Scarborough suggests, vocabulary in early years strongly predicts later reading success—making our efforts not just important, but urgent.