The Experience Preschool curriculum includes a sheet of eight new Key Vocabulary cards each week. The cards feature a real photo and the word that relate to the weekly topic. The first letter of the word is highlighted in red. There are many ways of using key vocabulary cards in preschool.
Ways to Use Key Vocabulary Cards in Preschool
Sort by the First Letter
As you collect Key Vocabulary Cards each week, you will have enough cards to create a letter identification game.
Have the children sort the cards by the first letter. This could be a Table Top game.
Build a Word Wall
Create a Word Wall for reference throughout the year. A Word Wall is a visible display in a classroom that features a collection of words.
Word Walls support a language rich environment.
Revisiting topics and words the children have learned in the past allows children to reflect on their learning.
Make a Vocabulary Binder
Don’t have space for a Word Wall? Put the cards in a binder that the chidren can use in the writing center or during free play.
Preschoolers will enjoy looking through the book and finding words to write.
A binder saves space but keeps Key Vocabulary cards handy.
Add to STEAM Stations
Add vocabulary words to STEAM Stations to encourage writing, introduce new vocabulary and label supplies.
Just add a few key word cards so you don’t overwhelm children.
Encourage children to write by offering a variety of tools – small golf pencils, markers, or crayons.
Create a Sensory Writing Tray
Sensory writing trays entice even the most reluctant writer. Make a writing tray with a thin layer of sand, salt, or colored rice.
For best results, put a dark piece of paper at the bottom of the tray. Use a thin layer of sand.
The children can use their finger to make the letters or words, or use a craft stick, paint brush or other tool.
Add Clipboards
Preschoolers love writing on clipboards! They are magic for enticing children to write. Place them in your centers and see what happens.
Small clipboards with pencils attached with a string keeps pencils handy.
Hang on the wall to encourage writing on a vertical surface with develops small hand muscles.
Add to a Writing Center
Key vocabulary word cards are perfect for writing centers.
Put words on a ring or in a pocket chart or binder in a writing center.
Consider having a word of the day.
Encourage children to write the word and draw a coordinating picture.
Introduce Spanish Words
The Key Vocabulary Word Cards have Spanish words on one side. Introduce new Spanish words each week.
Try to incorporate Spanish words while you go through the daily curriculum activities.
More Ideas for Using Key Vocabulary Cards
- Play “Write the Room”. Tape the cards around the room and encourage children to write the word in their journals or a piece of paper.
- Add magnets to the back of the vocabulary cards and use them on a magnetic board.
- Incorporate a word activity during Circle Time. A child dictates a sentence using the word and the educator can write it down.
- Choose a key Vocabulary Card. “Read” the word. Clap out the syllables.
- Sort the Key Vocabulary Cards into different categories based on their themes or similarities. This activity not only helps with categorization skills but also reinforces the vocabulary words in a different context.
READ: Jumping Into Journals: 5 Tips to Enhance Journal Writing
