to Fun with New Words

The essential elements of reading include:

· fluency (the ability to read text quickly, accurately, and with expression),

· phonics (the acquisition of letter-sound correspondences and their use to read and spell words),

· phonemic awareness (the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds in spoken words)

· comprehension (the use of complex processes and strategies to construct, evaluate, and respond to meaning conveyed in one or more texts),

· vocabulary (the addition of new words to a child’s store of word meanings).

We work on fluency, phonics, phonemic awareness, and comprehension every day during Fundations and Readers Workshop. We also introduce new vocabulary through the exceptional literature we read. We are also fortunate to have a wonderful vocabulary series to help with this important element of reading! 

Every Monday we begin a week of vocabulary lessons based on terrific read-alouds that use the week’s list of vocabulary words. Providing direct instruction in vocabulary after a read-aloud provides a strong context from which we can introduce word meaning. The chosen words bring action and description to language. We try to personalize the vocabulary by relating our own experiences to the vocabulary words. We make sure to have frequent encounters with the words throughout the week to make sure the new words become part of our accessible vocabulary.

Classroom Vocabulary Display

Already we are noticing students using the new vocabulary in place of everyday words. For example ridiculous instead of silly, chuckle instead of giggle, astonished instead of shocked. Some students are even making the transition from oral vocabulary to written vocabulary and are using the words in their writing. 

We hope you’ll take this “vocabulary voyage” with us and have fun with new words!

Here are this week's vocabulary words:

wander: When you wander, you walk around as if you had no special place to go.

artistic: When someone is artistic, they are very good at drawing, painting, or making beautiful things.

nibble: When you nibble food, you eat it in tiny bites.

inquire: When you inquire about something, you ask questions about it.

crouch: When you crouch, you bend your knees and get down very low to the ground.

patient: When you are patient, you stay calm while you wait for something to happen.

For ideas on how you can help your child get extra practice at home with these words, please read our latest edition of Romero's Reels or visit our class newsletter page on this website!