PR-6216IRE Reading For Success - Book 1

Vocabulary
Location words
Selecting vocabulary words – 3
In, on, around—although these words may seem simple and pupils have undoubtedly heard these words
used before, location words are difficult words for many early childhood pupils to fully grasp and use
appropriately. Consider identifying location words that you have noticed pupils have had a difficult time
struggling to use appropriately. Use these words as vocabulary words in order to deepen pupil
understanding of how these terms can be used.
School events
There are many events at school in which pupils participate that generate opportunities to develop
vocabulary. For example, have your pupils ever carefully considered the word assembly? Think about the
regular and specially scheduled events in which your pupils participate. You may even want to consider
events that pupils may have heard about through older siblings but are not yet old enough to participate in.
For example, a young pupil may not be on the athletics team; however, he or she may be curious about
what an athletics competition is.
Idioms
Pupils don’t usually encounter a formal study of idioms until later in their schooling years; however,
consider including idioms as vocabulary terms as they relate to topics of study. For example, if you are
studying a unit on weather, in addition to the words sprinkle, downpour and storm, consider adding the
sentence, ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’.
Familiar words
Not all vocabulary words have to be new. Study familiar words, too. Pupils enjoy being able to recognise
words and participate in sharing their meanings. By including words familiar to pupils, you may be able to
expand pupils’ understanding of how the word can be used.
Similar sounds
Do you have pupils in your class who think that in the alphabet song, the letters L, M, N, O and P are all
one word, LMNOP? Without direct instruction, there are many words that sound similar to pupils until
distinctions are made. As these words come up in your classroom, add them to your vocabulary list. For
example, many pupils think the words locks and lots are the same word. By providing instruction in how
these words sound different and look different when we spell and read them, pupils gain an understanding
of both of the words.
Holiday-related words
There are many holiday-related words with which pupils may not be familiar, especially for terms that are
used only once a year. Consider the upcoming holidays and select vocabulary words based on themes of
the holiday. For example, for St. Patrick’s Day, you may select vocabulary terms such as leprechaun,
Blarney Stone or shamrock.
Viewing sample
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