Word Generation is a set of Tier 1, research-based curricular resources designed for use across content areas in grades 4–8. It places heavy emphasis on 21st century learning goals, including academic language, argumentation, analytic reasoning, reading to find evidence, oral discussion, and writing. Each unit introduces approximately 5–10 high-utility academic “focus words” and begins with an engaging text that introduces multiple perspectives on a high-interest topic. While the units have moments of direct instruction, much of the learning comes from carefully scaffolded academic discussion and debates, providing students opportunities to draw on accumulated knowledge and apply new knowledge. Students read, discuss, debate, and write about each topic using the focus words.
Grades 4-5
24 two-week units organized around a central question
Each unit contains a variety of texts, word-learning activities, writing tasks, and debate and/or discussion opportunities
Grades 6-8
72 one-week units organized around a social or civic dilemma
Each unit contains five brief activities for ELA, math, science, and social studies
See also:
Evidence that classroom discussion improves literacy is abundant. Word Generation supports teachers by providing debatable questions together with evidence from which to argue.
Dr. Catherine Snow, Harvard University
Word Generation has not only provided our middle school teachers with a cross-content, systematic approach to word acquisition but it has also acted as a back door into interdisciplinary teaming structures/routines for looking at student work to make instructional decisions; it has been a powerful lever for building internal coherence in schools that often struggle with operationalizing their mission/vision.
Jenna Shumsky, New York City Middle School Quality Initiative
SERP Institute
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