Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski

Episode 251 In this episode, we’re joined by Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman, and Savannah Campbell , authors of The Megabook of Vocabulary , to talk about practical, classroom-ready strategies that actually work. We dig into the biggest misconceptions about vocabulary instruction, where vocabulary words should come from, how many exposures a word truly needs, and how to move words from simple recognition to confident use in speaking and writing. You’ll hear about: Why morphology and generative vocabulary are more powerful than weekly word lists How Word Ladders build decoding, spelling patterns, and vocabulary simultaneously How to integrate fluency and vocabulary through repeated reading, Readers’ Theater, and performance-based routines What “deep processing” really means—and why it makes words stick long term This conversation bridges research and practice, showing how vocabulary connects to decoding, fluency, and comprehension in meaningful ways. If you’re looking for high-impact routines that support all learners. This episode will leave you with actionable ideas you can use right away. Vocabulary doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be powerful, generative, and deeply connected to everything else we teach. Resources Megabook of Vocabulary (Free Printable Resource aligned to this episode!) Megabook of Vocabulary (Book) Tim Rasinski's Website + Resources If you’re enjoying Melissa & Lori Love Literacy , bring us to your school or event. We offer keynotes, presentations, and live podcast-style sessions focused on practical, science of reading–aligned strategies aligned to our podcast and book, The Literacy 50 . Email LiteracyPodcast@greatminds.org to learn more. Get free resources and updates at literacypodcast.com .

You can listen to Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Vocabulary Strategies to Boost Word Learning with Melissa Cheesman Smith, Savannah Campbell, & Tim Rasinski is an episode from Melissa and Lori Love Literacy by Supported by Great Minds .

This episode is 61:29 long.

This episode was published on Apr 24, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from Melissa and Lori Love Literacy when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.