Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith, and Savannah Campbell join the show to discuss their newest resource, The Megabook of Vocabulary. They unpack why vocabulary is far more than a list of words to memorize. This conversation explores the research behind vocabulary instruction, why background knowledge matters, and how teachers can intentionally build language-rich classrooms without making vocabulary “one more thing.”

The authors also introduce their WISE framework from the book:

1. Word Consciousness
2. Individual Word Learning
3. Student Tools for Determining Meaning
4. Exploration of Word Relationships

You’ll even hear practical classroom ideas for morphology instruction, context clues, nuanced word study, playful word exploration, and how to move beyond rote memorization toward deep, meaningful word learning.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode is packed with strategies and joyful ideas to help students become truly word conscious.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Book: The Megabook of Vocabulary
2. FREE Download: Inside the Megabook of Vocabulary
3. Book: The Megabook of Fluency

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Connect with the Guests:

1. Dr. Tim Rasinski’s Website: https://timrasinski.com/
2. Dr. Tim Rasinksi’s Email: [email protected]
3. Melissa Cheesman Smith on Instagram: @melissa.cheesman.smith
4. Savannah Campbell’s Website: https://www.campbellcreatesreaders.com/
5. Savannah Campbell on Instagram: @campbellcreatesreaders

Connect with Michelle:

• Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
• Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
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• For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit

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