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Literacy Spotlight


LITERACY SPOTLIGHT:

Elevating Literacy: Spotlight on the BIG WORDS Project

Supporting Readers Right When They Need It Most



The BIG WORDS Project offers a compelling, research-backed framework for teaching upper-elementary students to decode, understand, and confidently use complex vocabulary. With strong instructional design, supportive professional development, and rich resources, it stands as a promising path forward for literacy education.


Unlocking Advanced Vocabulary for Upper-Elementary Readers

In an era where reading instruction often shifts quickly from phonics to comprehension, many upper elementary students still struggle with decoding multisyllabic words. The BIG WORDS Project, led by Dr. Zoi A. Traga Philippakos & Dr. Margaret Quinn, addresses this gap head-on with research-based strategies that help students confidently tackle “big words”—multi-syllable, morphologically complex vocabulary—boosting their reading, writing, and spelling skills. 

Visit to learn more at the https://www.bigwordsprogram.com/ 


What’s Inside the Big Words Program?


Evidence-Based Instruction & Professional DevelopmentThe program combines structured, targeted instructional components, including syllable types, prefixes, suffixes, root words, and more, with asynchronous, non-stressful online professional development for educators. The goal is to enhance both student outcomes and teacher confidence in delivering multisyllabic instruction with fidelity and integrity. 


Hands-On Sample LessonsTeachers can explore downloadable sample lessons across nine units—from foundational syllables (not) to complex morphemes (phonologically):

  • Unit 1: Introduction to Syllables (review of vowels, vowel teams, consonants, blends, digraphs)

  • Unit 2: Syllable Types

  • Unit 3: Prefixes

  • Unit 4: Suffixes

  • Unit 5: Integrated strategy ("Putting it All Together")

  • Unit 6: Root Words (Greek/Latin focus) 


Dynamic, Informative Video ResourcesA suite of short, focused videos mirrors these lessons, explaining phonetic fundamentals such as “What is a blend?” or “What is stress?” and guiding students through decoding strategies in a clear, visual format. 


Visual Teaching Aids & Classroom Resources


The program offers downloadable classroom posters and strategy reminders for reading and spelling, helping to visually reinforce the “break-it-apart” methods that drive student success. Further, it includes games for teachers to share with families for additional practice and/or for students to engage in their classrooms.

Who’s Behind the Project?


The project is awarded through Reading Reimagined, an R&D initiative under the AERDF, which supports inclusive, breakthrough literacy research. 

Behind the project there is a powerhouse of literacy expertise:

  • Dr. Zoi Traga Philippakos (University of Tennessee, Knoxville) leads the initiative, focusing on reading/writing instruction, self-regulation, and effective professional development. 

  • Dr. Margaret Quinn (Texas A&M) brings deep insight into emergent literacy, early writing, and authentic assessment, with an emphasis on 21st-century learning and teacher support. 

Supported by a talented team of postdoctoral scholars (Katie Wilburn, Katherine Blake), research personnel (Kate Bentley), graduate researchers (Rebekah Picerno, Adalea Davis),  and consultants—including Charles MacArthur, Dr. Louis Rocconi, and Ashley Voggt—the project is rooted in robust, real-world expertise.


Why It Matters


  • Addresses a critical need: After grade 2, instruction often shifts away from phonics—leaving students still grappling with multisyllabic words behind just as texts become more complex. BIG WORDS fills that gap. 

  • Supports equitable literacy outcomes: By empowering teachers and students with effective, research-aligned tools, the project fosters more inclusive literacy development.

  • Teacher-friendly & scalable: With asynchronous PD, downloadable materials, and flexible lesson units, teachers can integrate this approach without overwhelming professional learning demands.


What’s Next?


  • Free PD course (TBA): Educators can soon enroll in a cost-free professional development course to explore multisyllabic instruction and access related materials and certification.

  • Expanded dissemination: Keep an eye out for broader implementation in schools, districts, and regional partnerships—a critical step toward scaling impact.

Let’s not wait for struggles to show up! Let’s teach students how to succeed before they fall behind. 


Visit to learn more at the https://www.bigwordsprogram.com/ 


 
 
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