What is Word Generation?

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.

  • Developed by teams of researchers and practitioners
  • Tested in a broad range of classrooms
  • Promotes academic vocabulary and deep text comprehension skills when systematically implemented
  • Boosts the quality of classroom discussion
See also: WordGen Professional Learning Series

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

Read how Word Generation came to be what it is today:

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