Overview
The KidWrite approach to vocabulary is known as Word Work. We’ve found that using concepts helps kids acquire a larger vocabulary more quickly than working to build a vocabulary word-by-word. Having this larger vocabulary means that they don’t have to rely on phrases like “very, very something,” or “a little bit something else,” because they know the words for those aspects of a concept. Here’s an example of Word Work for a third grader.
Pick a Concept
Start with something simple like temperature.
Discuss the concept
It’s clear to a third-grade kid that there are degrees (no pun intended) of temperature. Have a talk about the idea of something being very cold; very, very cold; a little warm; very hot; etc.
Write down the aspects
Create an index card for each aspect of the concept. For instance, one card for very, very cold and another for very cold, etc.
Create or find an image
Find or draw an image that goes with the words on the cards. For instance, an iceberg for very, very cold.
Introduce related words
Add a word that describes the aspect on the index card that goes with that word. For instance – add the word “frigid” to the card with “very, very cold.”
Put the word with the image
Match the index card with the image. For instance, the card with frigid and very, very cold would go with the iceberg.
Create a “timeline”
Put the words and images for hot in “timeline” order from least to most.
Put the words and images for cold in “timeline” order from least to most.
Put the words and images for hot and cold in “timeline” order from least to most for temperature.
Bottom Line
You kid won’t need to memorize the definition of each word in order to understand the concept behind that word when they read or use it. They will also have a clear sense of the relationship of the words for the concept of temperature after having discussed, written, visualized, and compared each of the words to the concept.
Read more Support Your Child: Reading
~ gina