Contents introduction chapter I. General principals of english vocabulary

CHAPTER II. THE USAGE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
2.1. Vocabulary skills are foundational requirements for every learner
Vocabulary skills are foundational requirements for students to reach high academic achievement. A strong vocabulary allows students to accurately express themselves and better understand concepts across all subject matters. The stronger a student’s vocabulary skills are, the more likely they will succeed. Students who constantly improve their vocabulary will have better tools to communicate, be able to more quickly understand lessons and grasp concepts, be able to be more acutely persuasive and expressive, and feel more confident in all areas of study. The good news is students can build and improve these skills at every age and learning level.
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Tiers of Vocabulary
There are three 'tiers' that vocabulary can be placed into.
1. Basic Vocabulary
Basic and simple words are the first things that build up a child's vocabulary. These are tricky words, early reading words, adjectives, verbs or nouns. They typically only have a single meaning.
2. High-Frequency Vocabulary
This tier is also sometimes called multiple meaning vocabulary tier, as the words within it can have more than one meaning. These words are also important for reading comprehension, used for direct instructions and may be descriptive.
3. Low-Frequency Vocabulary
These are words that are only used for a particular topic, so they may be called topic vocabulary. A child's low-frequency vocabulary might encompass topics like the weather or geography.
Children having a conversation.
Types of Vocabulary
We may have different vocabularies to draw on depending on whether we're speaking, listening, reading or writing.
1. Speaking
Speaking vocabulary consists of the words we can speak aloud. Containing around 5000 to 10,000 words, these words are used for communicating and giving instructions.
2. Listening
Our listening vocabulary is the words we can understand through hearing them said aloud. Similar to the speaking vocabulary, we use these words to listen to what others are communicating to us and what they might be instructing us to do.
Did you know? A fetus may start recognising some words when in the womb. Your listening vocabulary starts before you're even born!
3. Reading
Our reading vocabulary is how many words we can understand when reading. Reading is also the main way to build and grow vocabulary - as you read, you encounter new words you may not have seen or heard before.
4. Writing
Our writing vocabulary is determined by the words we can spell and use correctly in context. People's writing vocabulary is typically smaller than their speaking or listening vocabulary, which is why it's essential to work on it and keep learning new words.
Child writing
Why is vocabulary important in reading?
Vocabulary is important for speaking and communicating, but it's also essential for reading. It's the key to solid reading comprehension - it's impossible to read and understand a text if you don't know what the words mean!
When reading a text, we use our vocabulary knowledge to decode what the text is telling us. With a limited vocabulary, it'll be difficult to understand most of the words. This will restrict the overall understanding of the text.
Reading is also what helps to grow and expand a person's vocabulary. The more a person reads, the more vocabulary they'll know. But while a child is still growing their vocabulary, it's important that they're given a text at the right level - one where they'll understand most of the words, but there are some new ones to challenge and grow their vocabulary.
Girl reading a book.
What are vocabulary building skills?
If you've now seen how important having a strong vocabulary is and you're wondering 'what are vocabulary building skills?', then you're in the right place. Here, we'll go over what they are and how to use them to build that all-important vocabulary.
So, what are vocabulary building skills?
Vocabulary building skills are what children need to develop their growing vocabulary. Teachers typically encourage children to read widely and research. That's what building a vocabulary is - seeing a new word, researching what it means, and tucking it away to use later.
Here are some ways that teachers will help children to build their vocabulary skills.
1. Synonyms
Use words other than 'said', 'nice', 'good' or 'bad' - we've all heard that, right? Using synonyms is a solid way for children to expand beyond their basic vocabulary and add more to their high-frequency vocabulary.
Looking at words they already know and finding ones that mean the same, or have similar meanings, is a simple and easy way to expand a child's vocabulary. Matching games are often a fun way for children to develop their knowledge of synonyms.
2. Root Words, Prefixes and Suffixes
Root words form the basis of many other words. Knowing lots of root words and the prefixes and suffixes that can be added to them will greatly expand a child's reading and writing vocabulary. Not only will they be able to spell them, but if they come across a new word with a familiar root word, prefix or suffix, they'll be able to estimate its meaning.
3. Dictionary and Thesaurus Skills
Dictionaries and thesauruses are great tools to use when helping children to develop their vocabulary. Children should develop the habit of researching a new word in the dictionary whenever they come across one. This way, they can learn its definition. They should also be encouraged to write down the word and its meaning to refer back to later.
4. Reading
Never underestimate the power of reading! Reading is the best and most effective way for children to grow their vocabulary. While they read, they'll consolidate their understanding of familiar words while encountering new ones. They can use their knowledge of other words to estimate new meanings, then use their dictionary skills to learn the meanings of unfamiliar words.
5. Repetition
It's unlikely that anyone will remember a new word's spelling, pronunciation and meaning after seeing it just once. That's why it's important to repeat a new word so that it sticks. Write it down in a sentence, draw it in a fancy way, use word cards with it on to play a game, or simply write it down multiple times. These activities will help a new word to stay in a child's growing vocabulary.