94. Inside ‘The Megabook of Vocabulary’ with Dr. Tim Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith & Savannah Campbell

Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Melissa Cheesman Smith, and Savannah Campbell join the show to discuss their newest resource, The Megabook of Vocabulary. They unpack why vocabulary is far more than a list of words to memorize. This conversation explores the research behind vocabulary instruction, why background knowledge matters, and how teachers can intentionally build language-rich classrooms without making vocabulary “one more thing.”

The authors also introduce their WISE framework from the book:

  1. Word Consciousness
  2. Individual Word Learning
  3. Student Tools for Determining Meaning
  4. Exploration of Word Relationships

You’ll even hear practical classroom ideas for morphology instruction, context clues, nuanced word study, playful word exploration, and how to move beyond rote memorization toward deep, meaningful word learning.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, interventionist, literacy coach, or school leader, this episode is packed with strategies and joyful ideas to help students become truly word conscious.

Resources Mentioned:

  1. Book: The Megabook of Vocabulary
  2. FREE Download: Inside the Megabook of Vocabulary
  3. Book: The Megabook of Fluency

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!

Connect with the Guests:

  1. Dr. Tim Rasinski’s Website: https://timrasinski.com/
  2. Dr. Tim Rasinksi’s Email: trasinsk@kent.edu
  3. Melissa Cheesman Smith on Instagram: @melissa.cheesman.smith
  4. Savannah Campbell’s Website: https://www.campbellcreatesreaders.com/
  5. Savannah Campbell on Instagram: @campbellcreatesreaders

Connect with Michelle:

  1. Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom & @logosliteracyacademy
  2. Join our Facebook Community
  3. Sign up for my Newsletter
  4. Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom
  5. Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com
  6. Join The COLORFUL Literacy Toolkit Membership

Want to Support the Podcast?

  1. Make a Donation to Support Production

Interested in Learning More about Morphology?

  1. Logos Literacy Academy
  2. Course 1: Mastering Morphology: Foundations for Every Educator
  3. Course 2 & Curriculum: K-2 Morphology
  4. Monthly Coaching Calls: Logos Live