Big Words for Young Readers: Teaching Kids in Grades K to 5 to Decode and Understand Words with Multiple Syllables and Morphemes
March 9, 2026
By Heidi Anne Mesmer
9781546113867
Phonics instruction shouldn’t end when students can decode short words. From an early age, they also need to be able to decode “big words”―words with multiple syllables (sound units) and morphemes (meaning units)―to read proficiently. The key is to teach them systematically and explicitly, in developmentally appropriate ways. That’s where this book comes in. Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer shares essential background on how language “works,” provides a K–5 scope and sequence to guide practice, and offers abundant research-backed strategies that teachers can put into action immediately.
March 9, 2026
By Heidi Anne Mesmer
9781546113867
Phonics instruction shouldn’t end when students can decode short words. From an early age, they also need to be able to decode “big words”―words with multiple syllables (sound units) and morphemes (meaning units)―to read proficiently. The key is to teach them systematically and explicitly, in developmentally appropriate ways. That’s where this book comes in. Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer shares essential background on how language “works,” provides a K–5 scope and sequence to guide practice, and offers abundant research-backed strategies that teachers can put into action immediately.
March 9, 2026
By Heidi Anne Mesmer
9781546113867
Phonics instruction shouldn’t end when students can decode short words. From an early age, they also need to be able to decode “big words”―words with multiple syllables (sound units) and morphemes (meaning units)―to read proficiently. The key is to teach them systematically and explicitly, in developmentally appropriate ways. That’s where this book comes in. Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer shares essential background on how language “works,” provides a K–5 scope and sequence to guide practice, and offers abundant research-backed strategies that teachers can put into action immediately.
North Dakota United is dedicated to providing researched-based, member-driven, relevant, high-quality programs to advance skills, communication, and leadership opportunities. Book studies are typically one credit courses that last approximately six weeks. One credit equates to 15 hours of study. Expectations include reading the book, answering discussion questions, responding to others’ responses, and a reflection paper/action plan.
COST
Book studies are FREE to North Dakota United members.
All participants (members and non-members) are responsible for obtaining the book and the $50 credit fee to UND to have your credit recorded onto your transcript. The fee to participate in an NDU book study for non-members is $100, plus the $50 credit fee to UND.
If you have questions, please contact: amy.flicek@ndunited.org
