Word parts such as prefixes, roots, and suffixes give adolescent readers a reliable strategy for decoding, spelling, and determining the meaning of unfamiliar academic vocabulary. Because so much content-specific vocabulary in science, social studies, and other subjects is morphologically complex, explicit morphology instruction should be a consistent routine across classrooms, not confined to ELA. The resources below offer research and practical tools for teaching morphology to older students.
Adolescent Literacy
Morphology
Syntax and Writing
Sentence-level instruction and writing strategies for older students, from the Syntax Project's scope and sequence to The Writing Revolution.
Background KnowledgeBuilding the knowledge base adolescent readers need for complex texts, from Achieve the Core's Text Set Project to a Gettysburg Address close-reading example.