From Unit Plan: Vocabulary Builders I use these professional books for mini-lessons and activities to help my students build their vocabulary skills.

5-Minute Daily Practice: Vocabulary by Kathleen Fitzgibbon
Help kids succeed in class and on tests with these fun, super-quick daily exercises that provide essential practice in math, reading and writing, social studies, and test taking and help meet the standards. All it takes is 5 minutes a day!

Classroom Tip: One exercise per day as a warm-up during dispatch will work wonders for your students.

25 Super-Fun Spelling Games: Easy, Reproducible Games That Help Kids Learn the Words on Their Spelling Lists by Nancy Jolson Leber
How do kids spell fun? With spelling games, of course! This collection includes a variety of easy reproducible spelling games including Spelling Bingo, Word Roller Coaster, Phonics Fish, and many more.

Classroom Tip: Choose a different project each week to help your students build their vocabulary skills.

Quick Activities to Build a Very Voluminous Vocabulary by LeAnn Nickelsen
From vocabulary cubes to word pyramids to synonym wheels and more, here are 50 fantastic ways to improve reading comprehension, writing skills, and test scores.

Classroom Tip: Another great resource for fun vocabulary building.

Teaching Reading in Middle School: A Strategic Approach to Teaching Reading That Improves Comprehension and Thinking by Laura Robb
In this resource, you'll get the "big picture" of teaching reading in the middle school, including research, as well as the practical details you need to help every student become a better reader.

Classroom Tip: Don’t let the title fool you. This is an excellent resource for secondary teachers who want to help their students become better readers.