Overview

Join us for an interactive Summer Book Study as we explore Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Development, 2nd Ed. by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown, & Linda Kucan—an essential read on effective vocabulary instruction. Strong vocabulary skills are the foundation for reading comprehension, language development, and academic success, making word learning essential for educators, SLPs, caregivers, and anyone supporting a student’s communication and literacy growth!

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About the Book Study 

Our enthusiastic facilitators will guide participants as we practice powerful strategies to enhance vocabulary development.

Facilitators will lead in-depth discussions of key recommendations for teaching vocabulary as highlighted in this book. Conversations and small group application of exercises and activities will be targeted by grade level to allow participants to gain a deeper understanding of the content as it relates to the students they are currently teaching. At the end of the 4 sessions, participants will have practical techniques ready to use with their students. Resources discussed during the course will be compiled and made available for participants following the conclusion of the event.

About the Text

Hundreds of thousands of teachers have used this highly practical guide to help K–12 students enlarge their vocabulary and get involved in noticing, understanding, and using new words. Grounded in research, the book explains how to select words for instruction, introduce their meanings, and create engaging learning activities that promote both word knowledge and reading comprehension. The authors are trusted experts who draw on extensive experience in diverse classrooms and schools. Sample lessons and vignettes, children’s literature suggestions, “Your Turn” learning activities, and a Study Guide for teachers enhance the book’s utility.

Practical Materials:

• The facilitators will provide a Reading Guide to help participants focus on key points in the text to prepare for each session of the Book Study.

• The authors have also created a Study Guide that can be downloaded and printed: (www.guilford.com/beck-studyguide)

• Activities and exercises used during the Book Study will be provided to all participants.

• All sessions are virtual, allowing participants to join the Book Study from almost any location.

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About the Authors

Isabel L. Beck, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. She has conducted extensive research and published widely on decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension. Dr. Beck is a recipient of the Oscar S. Causey Award from the Literacy Research Association, the William S. Gray Citation of Merit from the International Literacy Association, and the Contributing Researcher Award from the American Federation of Teachers. She was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame and is an elected member of the National Academy of Education.

Margaret G. McKeown, PhD, is Clinical Professor Emerita of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Before her retirement, she was also a Senior Scientist at the University’s Learning Research and Development Center. Her work addresses practical, current problems that classroom teachers and their students face. She has conducted research in the areas of learning, instruction, and teacher professional development in reading comprehension and vocabulary. Dr. McKeown is a recipient of the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the International Literacy Association, is a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association, and was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame.

Linda Kucan, PhD, is a former Associate Professor in the Department of Instruction and Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. She has done extensive research on various aspects of literacy and teaching and has authored and co-authored numerous articles and books on teaching reading, vocabulary, and comprehension.

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Dates and Times

Four Wednesdays this summer at 7:00 – 8:30:

June 18
June 25
July 9
July 16 – with special guest

All meetings take place virtually.

CEU Contact Hours and Certificates

• Earn ACT 48, ALTA, CERI, IMSLEC, and Wilson contact hours.
• Receive 1.5 sitting hours for each session attended. Total opportunity of 6 hours for session attendance and form completion.
• Due to the interactive nature of this Book Study, we encourage participants to attend all sessions.
  
• In addition, this year will include the opportunity to submit an optional assignment for extra contact hour credit.
• If you cannot attend all sessions, you will still receive credit for the sessions you do attend.
• Additionally, you can earn 1.5 contact hours for up to one missed session by viewing the recording and submitting the follow-up form by July 30.
• Certificates of completion will be emailed to you no later than August 15.
  
• ACT 48 hours will be submitted no later than August 8.
• Thank you to Provident Charter Schools for sponsoring ACT 48 hours.

Registration and Cost

IDA Members: $30

Non-IDA Members: $40

Students: $20

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Registration Terms:
Cancellations prior to June 1st will result in a $15 processing fee.
Cancellations after June 1st will forfeit any reimbursement.
Registrant understands the book study will be recorded and has the option to turn their video on/off as desired.

Purchasing the Text

You are responsible for purchasing your own copy of Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Development, 2nd Ed. by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown, & Linda Kucan.

Available from Guilford Press

Used books are also available from various sources. If buying a used copy, be sure that you are ordering the 2nd edition.