Part 1: The Wonder of Teaching Vocabulary with Freddy Hiebert

Part One: Foundations Dr Freddy Hiebert, President and CEO of Text Project and literacy researcher at UC Santa Cruz, opens her conversation with Australian literacy consultants Sharon and Phil by immediately challenging conventional vocabulary instruction. She declares that lists and flashcards simply don't work, despite being the go-to methods in countless classrooms worldwide. Hiebert introduces her groundbreaking research revealing that 95% of English texts derive from just 2,500 morphological families—interconnected word systems where understanding one member unlocks numerous related words. She demonstrates how "help" generates "helper," "helpful," "unhelpful," and "helpless," transforming vocabulary learning from rote memorisation into systematic understanding that empowers students as independent word solvers. The conversation explores English's fascinating linguistic complexity through Hiebert's memorable culinary metaphor: a German bratwurst in a French baguette with Greek yogurt sprinkled on top represents how English draws from multiple traditions. This understanding helps students recognise why compound words from Anglo-Saxon roots, academic phrases from French influences, and consistent meaning patterns from Greek elements function differently across texts. Hiebert champions semantic maps as powerful alternatives to traditional lists, describing how students build visual connections between related concepts. She illustrates how mapping cats' movements, colours, and features creates meaningful vocabulary networks that expand naturally as students encounter different texts about the same topic. The discussion addresses practical concerns when Hiebert explains that approximately 40-50% of the 2,500 word families never actually require explicit teaching—they're straightforward enough for students to acquire through natural exposure. This revelation reassures teachers worried about covering overwhelming amounts of content. Hiebert emphasises fundamental principles students should understand by third grade: recognising that English draws from different language systems, understanding that certain words perform most of the work in English, and knowing that narrative and informational texts present different vocabulary challenges. These insights prepare students to approach any text with systematic thinking rather than anxiety about unknown words. RESOURCES FROM FREDDY HIEBERT Etymology ResourcesStories of Words develops students' interest in fascinating words like snickerdoodles and terrapin. Using the TExT model, this 16-volume series explores vocabulary through four word-formation methods: borrowed words, life themes, manipulated words, and technological innovations.   JOIN TEACHIFIC NOW AND SAVE!Join Teachific  today. Access thousands of resources and a growing number of 'anytime' courses within your membership. FURTHER INFORMATION Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTubeRead our insightful blogs, which make valuable connections between resources, podcasts and courses.Visit our Cue Learning website and sign up for the Teacher's Toolkit Weekly newsletter to stay updated on resources, events and discover how Cue can support you and your school.Explore Teachific, our vast collection of PDF resources, to enhance your teaching toolkit. And get even more support from our growing number of 'anytime' online courses.Connect with the latest news and other educators by joining our Teacher's Toolkit Facebook groupExplore upcoming live or online webinar  events Have questions or feedback? Reach out to us directly at admin@cuelearning.com.au