Words are the way we express what we know. Words also help us learn new ideas and concepts. Because vocabulary knowledge is so closely tied to reading comprehension, students who are English language learners face special challenges. Unlike native speakers of English, they may have very limited listening and speaking vocabularies. And although they may learn to speak the new language quickly, they face a constant challenge — to recognize and understand new words in print. Many of these “book words” are not words that students hear or use in everyday conversation. Educators can help their students develop a rich academic vocabulary and thus motivate students to become avid, lifelong readers.

Scientific research on vocabulary instruction tells us two important points:

- Most vocabulary is learned indirectly through experiences with oral and written language.

- There is a need to teach some vocabulary directly.