Vocabulary: Words That Help Learners Think, Speak, Read, and Write
Vocabulary means the words we use to exchange thoughts and ideas. Words help learners name what they see, explain what they feel, ask questions, share stories, solve problems, and understand what they read.
Vocabulary is powerful because words build meaning. When children know more words, they can better understand conversations, stories, directions, feelings, and new ideas.
Why Vocabulary Matters
Vocabulary helps learners:
Understand what others say
Express their own thoughts and needs
Ask and answer questions
Describe people, places, objects, and actions
Retell stories and events
Build reading comprehension
Strengthen writing, speaking, and listening skills
Vocabulary is not only taught during reading time. It grows all day—during meals, errands, playtime, bath time, travel, storytime, and family conversations.
Family Learning Action: Talk About Words
Choose one word during the day and talk about it.
Say:
“Let’s think about this word.”
“What does this word mean?”
“Can you say the word?”
“Can you show me what the word means?”
“Can you use the word when you talk?”
For example, if the word is bright, you might say:
“The light is bright.”
“Bright means it gives a lot of light.”
“The sun is bright.”
“Can you find something bright?”
Use Words to Exchange Thoughts and Ideas
Encourage learners to use words to explain what they think.
Ask:
“What do you notice?”
“What do you wonder?”
“What do you think will happen next?”
“How do you know?”
“Can you tell me more?”
These questions invite children to use vocabulary for thinking, speaking, listening, and learning.
Everyday Vocabulary Opportunities
Use these simple actions to build vocabulary through daily practice.
1. Name It
Point to objects and name them.
Say:
“This is a spoon.”
“This is a jacket.”
“This is a receipt.”
“This is a vegetable.”
Then add more meaning:
“A spoon helps us eat.”
“A jacket keeps us warm.”
“A receipt shows what we bought.”
“A vegetable helps our body grow strong.”
2. Describe It
Use describing words during everyday routines.
Say:
“The apple is crunchy.”
“The blanket is soft.”
“The water is cold.”
“The box is heavy.”
“The flower is beautiful.”
Ask:
“What words can you use to describe it?”
3. Compare Words
Help learners notice how words are alike and different.
Ask:
“How are big and huge alike?”
“How are tiny and small alike?”
“How are hot and cold different?”
“How are happy and excited alike?”
This builds thinking and word meaning.
4. Act Out Words
Choose action words and act them out.
Say:
“Can you stomp?”
“Can you whisper?”
“Can you stretch?”
“Can you tiptoe?”
“Can you balance?”
Movement helps learners remember word meanings.
5. Draw the Word
Invite the learner to draw a word.
Say:
“Draw something enormous.”
“Draw something cozy.”
“Draw someone sharing.”
“Draw a place that is peaceful.”
Then ask:
“Tell me about your picture.”
This connects vocabulary, art, speaking, and writing.
6. Use New Words in Sentences
After teaching a new word, use it several times.
Say:
“Our word is curious. Curious means wanting to know more.”
“You were curious about the bug.”
“I am curious about what is inside the box.”
“Can you say: I am curious?”
7. Read and Talk
During storytime, pause for meaningful words.
Say:
“That is an interesting word.”
“What do you think it means?”
“Look at the picture. What clue do you see?”
“Let’s use that word in our own sentence.”
Do not stop for every word. Choose a few rich words that help the learner understand the story.
Fluency
Alphabetics
Comprehension
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