Thematic Vocabulary Series for Speech Language Therapy

The Stack of Thematic Vocabulary series organizes words by theme and semantic relationships. This allows you to:

• Teach related vocabulary together
• Build connections between words
• Expand language through discussion and comparison
• Target multiple language skills using the same materials

Each Stack can be used to support:

• vocabulary learning
• describing and attributes
• categories and associations
• compare and contrast
• narrative language
• inferencing and reasoning
• sentence formulation
• thematic units in therapy or classroom lessons

Because the words share a theme, children can quickly build deeper understanding and connections across words.

The Stack of series is inspired by the thematic vocabulary approach, which is supported by research in language development and cognitive science. Research shows that:

• Vocabulary is stored in semantic networks, not as isolated words
• Learning related words together strengthens connections in the brain
• Rich, meaningful vocabulary instruction leads to stronger language outcomes

Studies in vocabulary instruction emphasize the importance of deep, contextualized learning rather than isolated word exposure.

Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G., & Kucan, L. (2013). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Hadley, E.B., Dickinson, D.K., Hirsch-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R.M. (2018). Building semantic networks: The impact of a vocabulary intervention on preschoolers' depth of word knowledge. Reading Research Quarterly. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1002/rrq.225

Ukrainetz, T. A. (2006). Contextualized language intervention: Scaffolding prek-12 literacy achievement ; teaching students with language impairments the language needed for academic success through scaffolding explicit skills in purposeful contexts. Pro ed.