Vocabulary: Word Cards #1 Basic
Word Knowledge
High-Frequency Words refers to words that are common in our English language and found in the majority of our reading. These words may, or may not, follow regular English spelling patterns (Duke & Mesmer, 2016).
Dolch Word Lists and Fry Sight Words are two references for common High-Frequency English words. These lists are typically for the Emergent and Struggling Readers.
Coxhead Academic Words are associated to academic language, common in the classroom environment, but not as frequent in casual conversations. These lists are typically for Novice Readers and beyond.
Affixes (Prefixes & Suffixes) helps a reader decode an unknown word. The ability to see a prefix or a suffix, understand the meaning, and see the base word that is attached, creates stronger comprehension. Prefixes and Suffixes are group of letters that when attached to a base word carry meaning. PREFIXES are attached to the beginning of a base word, while SUFFIXES are attached to the end of a base word. These lists are typically for Novice Readers and beyond.
Greek and Latin Roots helps a reader decode an unknown word. To recognize a Greek or Latin Root and know its meaning, builds stronger comprehension. These lists are typically for Novice Readers and beyond.
Reading Vocabulary is associated to words in a story or chapter(s) of a story that carry meaning to help us understand what we are reading. These are words that one finds interesting or ones to understand better. Either use the word in your own sentence or take the same sentence where this word was found.
Vocabulary: Word Cards #1 Basic
For Emergent through Expert Readers
Materials:
Index cards 3x5 or 5x7 will work for this activity
Word Box OR Ring
if using a Ring, punch a hole in upper corner or center of card
Select words
Weekly Activity:
Each week, select 3 to 5 words from one of the following categories:
High-Frequency Words
Coxhead Academic Words
Affixes: Prefixes and Suffixes
Greek and Latin Roots
Reading Vocabulary
On the blank front of the index card, write one word per index card - large size letters are best. If the child is able to write the word, this will help form the shape of the word in the child’s mind.
Have the child trace over each individual letter saying the sound the letter makes in the word. Then have the child move their finger from left to right (underneath the word) stating the entire word.
On the back side of the index card, have the child create a sentence using the word. If the child is able to write the sentence, this will help with retention of the words and proper sentence structure.
Repeat with an additional 2 to 4 words.
Daily Activity:
Each following day, have the child read each word, then read the sentence on the back.
If the child is struggling to remember the word, have the child trace over each individual letter saying the sound the letters makes in the word. Then have the child move their finger from left to right (underneath the word) stating the entire word.