Curriculum Corner
Vocabulary
At St Helena’s, we’re passionate about helping every child become a confident, capable writer. One of the most powerful tools in a young writer’s toolkit is vocabulary—the words they know, understand, and use. A rich vocabulary doesn’t just make writing more interesting; it helps children express themselves more clearly, think more deeply, and engage more fully with the world around them.
Vocabulary is more than just “big words.” It’s about giving children the language they need to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Here’s why it’s so important:
Improves clarity and precision: Children can explain their ideas more accurately when they have the right words.
Boosts creativity: A wider vocabulary allows for more imaginative and descriptive writing.
Supports reading comprehension: The more words children know, the easier it is to understand what they read—and to use those words in their own writing.
Builds confidence: When children feel they can express themselves well, they’re more likely to enjoy writing and take pride in their work.
How You Can Help at Home
You don’t need to be a teacher to support your child’s vocabulary development. Here are some practical, everyday ways to help:
1. Read Together Regularly
Reading is the single most effective way to build vocabulary. Choose a variety of books—fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even comics. Talk about new or interesting words as you read. Ask questions like:
“What do you think that word means?”
“Can you think of another word that means something similar?”
“How could we use that word in a sentence?”
2. Talk About Words
Make language a part of your daily conversations. Introduce new words naturally and encourage your child to use them. For example:
“That’s a very fragile vase. Do you know what fragile means?”
“Instead of saying ‘nice,’ what other words could we use to describe your drawing?”
3. Play Word Games
Games make learning fun and memorable. Try:
Word association games (e.g., “I say ‘cold,’ you say…?”)
Scrabble or Boggle
Vocabulary scavenger hunts (find objects that are “tiny,” “smooth,” “round,” etc.)
4. Encourage Creative Writing
Give your child opportunities to write freely—stories, poems, letters, or even comic strips. Challenge them to use new or “wow” words in their writing. You might say:
“Can you describe the dragon using three exciting adjectives?”
“Let’s rewrite this sentence using a more powerful verb.”
5. Keep a Word Journal
Help your child start a “word collector” notebook. They can write down new words they hear or read, along with their meanings and a sentence using the word. This builds ownership and curiosity about language.
At school, we’re actively teaching vocabulary through reading, writing, and discussion. But the support children receive at home makes a huge difference. When families and schools work together, children thrive.
If you’d like more ideas tailored to your child’s age or interests, or if you’re curious about the vocabulary we’re focusing on in class, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. We’re always happy to share resources and suggestions.