In this episode, host Gene Tavernetti speaks with Sean Morrissey, a fifth-grade teacher and former school psychologist, about his structured, research-based approach to vocabulary instruction. Sean shares his four-part daily lesson framework — retrieval practice, explicit instruction, fluency passages, and independent practice — explaining how pairing words, embedding spelling, and using morphology helps students deeply map new vocabulary into long-term memory. The conversation also explores how teachers can use sophisticated language naturally throughout the day to expand student word knowledge beyond formal lessons. Sean closes with practical advice for getting started, including small steps like teaching word pairs, studying common prefixes and roots, and using video reflection to continuously improve instruction.
About Sean Morrisey:
Sean Morrisey has quickly earned a well-deserved following for his work on effective vocabulary instruction. He is the creator of the Word Mapping Project and author of the Word Mapping curriculum. In this episode, we explore the nuts and bolts of vocabulary instruction, including how to build durable word knowledge, the role of morphology, and how vocabulary instruction supports broader literacy development. Sean shares the strategies he uses to strengthen students’ vocabulary, reading comprehension and fluency.
X/Twitter: (1) Sean Morrisey (@smorrisey) / X
Bluesky: Sean Morrisey (@smorrisey.bsky.social) — Bluesky
YouTube Channel: Word Mapping Project Overview
Website: http://wordmappingproject.com
Substack: https://seanmorrisey.substack.com/
Resources mentioned:
Neil Ramsden Mini Matrix-Maker Home Page
Bringing Words to Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction
New Zealand