Research into Practice: Word Study to Teach Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling: The Why, What, and How

by, Donald R. Bear, PH.D.

Word study is a process of discovery and is an integrated approach to teaching word knowledge in phonics, vocabulary, and spelling. In this paper, Donald J. Bear, PH.D. discusses the four principles of word study and the essential elements of instruction and specific routines to examine focused contrasts of words by sound, pattern, and meaning are presented. We’ll also show what word study looks like, and what it takes to provide explicit and differentiated word study instruction.