Read-alouds in the upper elementary classroom: Developing academic vocabulary

This article highlights the potential of teacher read-alouds of informational texts for building academic vocabulary. These represent the general, high-utility words with Greek and Latin roots and the discipline-specific words associated with increased academic rigor of curriculum in the upper elementary grades. The author provides the theoretical underpinnings and underscores the importance of building and bridging oral academic vocabulary to written academic literacy through a series of linked, scaffolded learning tasks. These tasks provide opportunities for recycling and practice with new words and transforming them to written modes, resulting in deep learning. These ideas are suited for working with preservice teachers in initial teacher preparation programs. In-service teachers could also use these materials in their classrooms or for professional development in a community of practice setting where collaborative work, discussion, and shared reflection are valuable adjuncts for introducing new teaching ideas.