For the Love of Words: Vocabulary Instruction that Works, Grades K-6 by Diane E. Paynter (Mid-Continent Research for Teaching and Learning)
Many elementary students today have a reading and speaking vocabulary far below what is expected and necessary for their grade level. For the Love of Words offers teachers a practical and systematic instructional framework for helping students overcome the vocabulary gap so they can succeed academically, especially in reading comprehension. Unlike conventional skill and drill instruction, this approach helps students understand why a strong vocabulary is so critical for their success in reading and writing and develop strategies for learning new words based on the best of current research.