Check out our FREE sight word worksheets – we have over 150 in our database!
Vocabulary is the knowledge of both spoken and written words; it is an important building block for comprehension. Knowing word meanings makes it easier to understand what you read or hear. In the early years, reading assists in developing a child’s vocabulary. Fun experiences and field trips, e.g., visiting a zoo, aquarium or museum also enhances a child’s vocabulary by exposing them to new words in a fun and enjoyable way.
Formal vocabulary instruction typically occurs in either 3rd or 4th grade. Students are given a list of vocabulary words to study and exercises to reinforce their meanings.
| 2nd Grade Words |
3rd Grade Vocabulary Words |
| 4th Grade Vocabulary Words |
5th Grade Vocabulary Words |
For some fun activities and wacky words, please visit our word play section.
A synonym is a word having the same or almost the same meaning as another word in the same language, e.g., small and tiny; these two words have similar meanings. Most reading/language arts curriculums cover both antonyms and synonyms. In the early years, easy synonyms are introduced, e.g., big/large and little/small. Synonyms are commonly used…
A portmanteau is a word that is derived from blending two or more distinct words, e.g., smog is derived from smoke and fog. In other words, there are two or more meanings (or parts) packed into one word. Portmanteau is also French for a large suitcase. A suitcase has two parts which fold into one…
An antonym is a word of opposite meaning, e.g., good and bad; these two words have opposite meanings. Most reading/language arts curriculums cover both antonyms and synonyms. In the early years, easy antonyms are introduced, e.g., hot/cold and happy/sad. Antonyms are commonly used in analogies, e.g., below is to above as open is to closed….
There are 50 USA states, including Alaska near the arctic and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. Originally there were 13 states located on the East Coast, which were ruled by England until 1776. Today, each state establishes laws, but they are ruled by the Federal Government. Most curriculums will require students to learn how to…
A collocation is two or more words that are frequently used together, e.g., catch a cold. The combination of these words sounds normal to a native English speaker who typically learns collocations when learning to talk. Whereas, these combinations may be unnatural to English Language Learners (ELL or ESL); they will most likely need to…
Sesquipedalian is a word containing many syllables; it is a really long word. In Latin, it translates to “a foot and a half.” Sesquipedalian words are appropriate for spelling bees, word study and vocabulary development. Ideally select 3 to 5 words a week to increase your child’s vocabulary in either middle or high school. Sesquipedalian…