241. The Secret to Expanding Students’ Vocabulary (Without More Word Lists!)

If you’re looking for a more effective way to help your students expand their vocabulary—without relying on endless word lists—this episode is for you! Today, we’re diving into morphology instruction and how a simple five-step routine can transform the way your students learn new words. By teaching morphemes explicitly, you can give your students the tools to decode unfamiliar words, make meaning independently, and support them in expanding vocabulary in a meaningful, lasting way.

Teaching morphemes is one of the most powerful strategies for helping students recognize word patterns, determine word meanings, and build a stronger understanding of language. But if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t have enough time in the day to fit in meaningful word study, or if you’ve relied on worksheets and memorization without seeing long-term retention, this episode will show you a more effective approach to expanding vocabulary in your classroom.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a structured, step-by-step approach to teaching morphemes that will help students recognize word patterns, build connections, and focus on expanding vocabulary across all subject areas. This strategy works for all students but is especially powerful for upper elementary learners tackling complex texts.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple and effective plan for incorporating morphology into your literacy block—without adding more memorization or worksheets! Whether you're new to morphology instruction or looking for ways to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to support your students in expanding vocabulary in a way that truly sticks.

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To check out all of the resources from this episode, head to the show notes: https://www.stellarteacher.com/episode240.