"Are you wondering where to begin to adopt the Common Core Vocabulary Standards? While there are many specific vocabulary standards clearly listed in the K-12 Language strand, it's helpful and important to look at Academic Vocabulary from the big picture view known as Shift 6. Let's unpack it."
In this post Susan Oxnevad looks at the three tiers of vocabulary and discusses the need to target instruction on Tier 2 and Tier 3 words. There is a short video that provides an introducation to Academic Vocabulary as well as a look at some tools that woulr provide help for students learning Tier 2 words. Many great resources are provided.
When you are reading non-fiction in groups, here are some tools to help your students unpack Tier 2 and 3 words as they discuss their understanding and choose strategies to improve comprehension.