MiddleWeb Book Reviews
Word Savvy:Integrated Vocabulary, Spelling and Word Study, Grades 3-6
By Max Brand
(2004; 192 pp/paper)
Stenhouse Publishers
ISBN: 1-57110-366-X
$22.50
Reviewed by Kerry McDonald
Peterborough, Ontario
Canada I started my 6th year of teaching grade 6 with the belief that teaching spelling in a traditional way was not working for either the students or myself. I believe in what Nagy wrote in 1988 that the "single most important thing a teacher can do to promote vocabulary growth is to increase students' volume of reading" (pg. 38). However, I was floundering with how best to go about increasing my students vocabulary, making them aware of spelling patterns and providing them with strategies for tackling unknown words. Through Max Brand's book, I now have a clearer vision of how best to incorporate word study into my whole day. From the first day of school in Brand's classroom, he engages his students in becoming Word Savvy. His goal for teaching is "for students to become word-savvy-to develop an understanding of how words work within the context of reading and writing, and to become excited about words as they learn to manipulate them in playful ways" (pg. 4) Using Pearson and Gallagher's gradual release of responsibility, Max walks his students through Demonstration, Think-aloud, Think-Along, Guided Thinking and Independent Application as they begin to develop the necessary skills and strategies for becoming Word Savvy. Teachers comfortable using a Workshop model for Reading and Writing will find his teaching ideas very comfortable, familiar and easy to adapt within their own classroom. One of the unique features of this book is the way that the author shares his love of words with his students. Throughout his day, and in all subject areas, Brand incorporates Word Study whenever possible. His students learn to appreciate words in many different contexts. Each chapter gives a snapshot of classroom practices, along with specific goals and ideas on how to use these ideas in your own classroom. At the end of each chapter, there are detailed lesson plans using the suggestions from the classroom. He includes ideas on how to use novels, non-fiction text, poetry, and picture books to aid in the study of words. Over the summer, I am planning on rereading this book and using it to plan my next year. I intend to incorporate many of the strategies and tools that Max Brand has shared in his book. If you are looking for ideas, suggestions and classroom-tested ideas, pick up Word Savvy, you won't be disappointed!
