Vocabulary
Literacy Connections - Vocabulary
SUPPORTING YOUR TIGER WITH TIGER WITH VOCABULARY
Literacy Connections - Vocabulary (PDF Version)
WHAT IS VOCABULARY?
Vocabulary is the collection of words a child knows and understands. It includes words they use in speaking and writing (expressive vocabulary) as well as words they understand when listening and reading (receptive vocabulary). Strong vocabulary helps children unlock the meaning of texts, express themselves clealy, and build knowledge across all subjects.
COMPONENTS OF VOCABULARY
- Semantics – Understanding what words mean and how they connect to other words (synonyms, multiple meanings, etc.).
- Syntax – Knowing how words work together in sentences, which helps with grammar and making sense of text.
- Morphology – Recognizing parts of words (prefixes, suffixes, roots) to figure out or build new words. (help-helpful, play-plays).
WHY IS VOCABULARY IMPORTANT?
Vocabulary is a key part of comprehension. Without a strong vocabulary, students will struggle to read, to make sense of what they read, and to explain their thoughts coherently. A strong vocabulary helps children:
- Understand what they read.
- Express their ideas more clearly.
- Build knowledge across subjects like science, history and math.
- Grow confidence as readers and learners.
TIPS TO SUPPORT VOCABULARY:
- Talk together often. Use rich language in daily conversations.
- Introduce new words naturally. Read aloud. Books expose children to words they may not hear in everyday talk.
- Explain and connect. Pause when you come to a trick word in a book or conversation. Explain what it means and connect it to somehting your child knows.
- Use new words again. Encourage your child to try out new words in conversation.
- Play with words. Notice word parts (prefixes, suffixes, roots) and talk about how they change the meaning.
VOCABULARY ACTIVITIES:
| Vocabulary Activities (Set A) | Vocabulary Activities (Set B) |
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Word Detectives: While reading, stop at an unfamiliar word. Ask your child: “What do you think this word means?” Look for clues in the surrounding sentence(s).
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Vocab Charades: Write new or tricky vocabulary words on slips of paper. Take turns acting out the words while the other person guesses.
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Connections: While reading, choose a word from the book (for example, canine). Ask your child: “What other words go with this?” They might say dog, pet, animal, furry, bark. Talk together about how the words are connected (all animals, all pets, all words about dogs).
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Categories: Then, play “Which one doesn’t belong?” Give 3-4 words and ask your child to choose the odd one out. For example: fish, dog, cat, chair-chair doesn’t belong because it’s not an animal.
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Word Jar: Keep a family “word jar.” Add new or interesting words you come across in books or daily life. Pull a word out at dinner or bedtime and have all family members us it in a sentence.
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Illustrate It: After reading, choose a new or tricky word together. Ask your child to draw a picture that shows what the word means. Example: For enormous, they might draw a mouse next to an elephant to show size. When the drawing is finished, ask your child to explain their picture in their own words.
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VOCABULARY ACTIVITIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL:
| Vocabulary Activities for MS (Set A) | Vocabulary Activities for MS (Set B) |
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Categories: Play categories with your student. Name a topic such as “farms” and ask your child to think of all the words he/she can relate to the topic. This is a great way to build word knowledge.
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Word Collecting: Have family members find interesting words during the day and share them at dinner, explaining what they think they mean.
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Word of the Day: Choose one new word from reading. Write the definition, a synonym, antonym, and use it in a sentence.
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Prefix/Suffix Practice: Find words in your book that have prefixes/ suffixes. Break them apart and discuss the meanings.
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| Word Up: Write vocabulary words on index cards. A player holds a card to their forehead, and others provide clues for them to guess the word. |
Conversation Challenge: Use three new vocabulary words during dinner or family conversation.
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