Dare to Differentiate

This highly practical resource for K–6 teachers is packed with 25 classroom-tested, step-by-step strategies for developing word knowledge. The emphasis throughout is not only on teaching new words, but also on strengthening students’ comprehension and long-term vocabulary acquisition. Especially valuable are guidelines for how to differentiate each strategy so it can be used successfully with English language learners and students at varying proficiency levels. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book features helpful print and Web resources for each strategy, along with 20 reproducible worksheets.

Brassell clearly has a deep passion for teaching. Busy teachers everywhere will appreciate this wonderful collection of the most effective research-based vocabulary strategies, guaranteed to engage students and improve comprehension. Brassell's humor and style shine through on every page. The book is loaded with practical ways to differentiate vocabulary instruction for all students, using rich hands-on activities, games, and Web resources. I love this book!--Lori Oczkus, MA, literacy coach and author, Orinda, CaliforniaThe vocabulary strategies and word play activities alone make this volume an excellent addition to any K-6 teacher's bookshelf. But the real strength of the book is that it provides ideas for differentiating instruction based on the strategies. Meeting the specific needs of students through differentiation is always a challenge; this book shows how differentiating word learning can be both manageable for the teacher and fun for students.--Thomas DeVere Wolsey, EdD, Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, Walden UniversityDare to Differentiate jumps right into ideas and strategies that elementary teachers can start using immediately to embed vocabulary learning throughout the curriculum. The easy-to-use format includes a description of each strategy plus a classroom example that shows how it works. This book is a great addition to any educator's library.--Joanne Toft, MA, former K-6 teacher; Associate Director, Arts for Academic Achievement, Minneapolis Public SchoolsAre you looking for a way (or many ways) to make vocabulary instruction come alive for your students? Then Dare to Differentiate, Third Edition, is for you. Not only does Brassell present an array of engaging instructional strategies, but he also provides ways to make each strategy work for different students and classrooms. Differentiation makes the difference! I highly recommend this extraordinary volume.--Timothy Rasinski, PhD, Department of Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Studies, Kent State University-

Danny Brassell, PhD, is Professor in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Dominguez Hills. Dr. Brassell is an experienced classroom teacher who has worked with students ranging from preschoolers to rocket scientists, and he has published numerous articles and books. A reformed reluctant reader now dedicated to creating passionate readers, Dr. Brassell founded the Lazy Readers’ Book Club (www.lazyreaders.com), which provides recommendations for “cool short books” for all ages. His workshops have motivated audiences across the country to create cultures in homes, schools, and businesses that stimulate innovation through widespread reading. Dr. Brassell's website is www.dannybrassell.com.