The Best Books to Boost Vocabulary

Hi Teacher Friend! 

We’ve all been there—spending tons of time teaching new words, only to realize our students barely remember them a week later. So how do we move beyond memorization and actually help students build a rich, lasting vocabulary?  

These are books we’ve read, loved, and truly believe will make a difference in your vocabulary instruction. From selecting the most impactful words to engaging students in deep, meaningful word learning—and even strengthening your own understanding of the English language—these three must-reads will give you the tools to make vocabulary instruction more intentional, effective, and engaging for both you and your students.

Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction (Second Edition) by Isabel L. Beck, Margaret G. McKeown, and Linda Kucan

Bringing Words to Life is an absolute classic when it comes to vocabulary instruction! It takes the guesswork out of choosing the right words to teach—hello, Tier 2 words!—and gives you practical ways to introduce them so students understand and use them. The authors break down research-backed strategies that work at every grade level, from early grades through high school.

You’ll learn how to make words stick - finding engaging ways to help students retain new vocabulary and even learn the meanings of unfamiliar words on their own. BONUS: If you want to read and learn with your school team or literacy bestie, there’s a study guide to help you dig in together.

Teaching Words and How They Work: Small Changes for Big Vocabulary Results by Elfrieda H. Hiebert

Did you know “students can expect to encounter approximately 150,000 different words over their school careers?” That’s a lot of vocabulary to tackle! In this quick and helpful read, Freddy Hiebert shows how to teach vocabulary efficiently by focusing on 2,500 core morphological families and helping students make meaningful connections between words, rather than simply memorizing endless lists.

Hiebert also explores the different types of vocabulary found in various texts and even gives a fascinating overview of the history of English words and their meanings. Hiebert discusses making small but powerful changes that have a big impact, and this insightful book is a great place to start!

Beneath the Surface of Words: What English Spelling Reveals and Why It Matters by Sue Scibetta Hegland

You’re probably thinking, 'Wait, isn’t this about spelling, not vocabulary?' And yes, that’s true! But if you’re looking for a teacher-friendly resource that will help you deepen your own knowledge about the history and structure of the English language, Beneath the Surface of Words is exactly what you need.

By understanding the origins and evolution of English spelling, you’ll be able to help students make connections between words, their meanings, and spellings. Sue Hegland explores the linguistic roots of words and explains how spelling patterns reflect deeper historical influences—making this a valuable tool for vocabulary instruction. With the knowledge you’ll gain from this book, you’ll be able to give students a more comprehensive understanding of how words work!

BONUS RECOMMENDATION

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

If you're looking for a children's book that celebrates the power of words, The Word Collector is a must-read! I read it with my little one, and we love how the main character explores words with such joy and curiosity. It’s a wonderful story to share with your class to spark a love for language!