A day of words : integrating word work in the intermediate grades

Summary: In A day of words, fifth-grade teacher Max Brand demonstrates how he helps students search for, study, and celebrate words. Taped over the course of one day, we see distinct word instruction segments that Max has planned, along with many spontaneous teaching moments that occur for word work. Students learn more than just spelling skills or vocabulary knowledge; they become more naturally accomplished in their understanding and use of words in all contexts. About the author: Max became a teacher because he loves to learn and teaching gives him the chance to learn a ton every day. "Each day is a new experience. No matter what you plan for, the kids take ownership and extend thinking/understanding to fantastic heights." Max is a graduate of Ohio State University and currently teaches fifth grade at Eli Pinney Elementary School. His specialties are word work, working with boys, and learning through discussion. During professional development workshops, he tries to put, participants in situations that inspire feelings kids might experience.