Overview of Building Word Knowledge

Skill Explainer

Building Word Knowledge Skill Explainer

Marion McBride, M.Ed.

Comprehension depends on knowing word meanings. If a word is decoded and pronounced but the meaning is not recognized, comprehension will be impaired. Knowledge of a word’s meaning also facilitates accurate word recognition.

— Nation, 2008 (opens in new window)

Vocabulary instruction must produce depth of word knowledge to produce measurable gains in reading comprehension.

— William E. Nagy, Ph.D., 1988

Reading Universe is made possible by generous support from Jim & Donna Barksdale; the Hastings/Quillin Fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (opens in new window); the AFT (opens in new window); the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (opens in new window); and three anonymous donors.