Are all words listed for a specific grade level appropriate for word-study instruction at that grade level?
Remember, grade-level word lists are based on the frequency with which those words appear in printed materials. Because many words that appear in grade-level reading materials are not linguistically appropriate to teach at that grade level, keep in mind that teaching every word on a specific grade-level list may not necessarily be recommended. Moreover, the focus of instruction should always be on teaching patterns and strategies that apply to all words rather than individual words. Best practice for word study instruction limits word lists to 8-10 words that are familiar in meaning to the student.
