Vocabulary for Pre and Beginning Readers

 
Basic vocabulary is necessary for a child as they begin to learn to read.

 
Children learn the meanings of most words indirectly, through their everyday experiences.

 
While most vocabulary is learnt indirectly, direct vocabulary learning in addition to indirect vocabulary learning is useful. About 300 more words can be learnt each year as a result of direct vocabulary instruction, (Stahl & Fairbanks, 1986).

 
Basic vocabulary for beginning readers include: colours; prepositions; common objects and locations; pronouns; parts of everyday objects; adjectives; occupations; quantity words; materials; shapes; and patterns.

Prepositions: Basic Vocabulary

 
Here is a simple activity for assessing and teaching prepositions.

 
This activity can be done with two cups and any other single item you have on hand, e.g. a pencil. Following my sons’ lead and interest in superheroes, (and embracing the reality that we have many of them littered throughout our home), we used two cups and a Batman toy.

 
Placing Batman in various positions relative to the cup/s, I simply asked, “Where is Batman?”

 
Where there were gaps in their vocabulary, I taught the prepositions through modelling.

Teaching Vocabulary through Modelling

 
Vocabulary can be taught orally through modelling, particularly when a child is at the pre-reading or early stages of learning to read.

 
In teaching vocabulary through modelling, there are three steps:

1. Model positive and negative examples of the new concept.
2. Test the child on their understanding using examples of the new word.
3. Integrate by presenting different examples of the new word, along with examples of other previously taught words.

 
We kept the lesson short and punchy. Repetition is key to building vocabulary, so we’ll have to visit this activity often; (good thing that it involves Batman).

More Activities for Preschoolers

Three to Five: Playful Preschool is stuffed to the brim with tried, tested and loved playful learning ideas for preschoolers. There are 25+ ideas for preschoolers, ten printable resources and additional links to over 50 more activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.

N&M: 4 years, 4 months
October 2012

The post Prepositions: Vocabulary for Beginning Readers by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

Inspired by a preschool visit where they take learning outdoors, I pick up our blue sheet, a stack of numeral cards and a die. In between their scooter and running races, we sat and played a quick maths numeral card game.

Maths: Numerals Card Game

This game helps children work towards:

• Naming and identifying numerals. These skills are required so that we can record our maths.
• Using the correct corresponding numeral for a given set of objects.

Materials:

• A die
• A set of numeral cards. Here’s a free printable of the set we used.

How to Play:

Place the numeral cards face up on the ground. Take turns to roll the die and pick up the corresponding numeral card. If the card has already been taken, the child forfeits a turn. Play until all the cards have been taken.

You can play as a team with the goal of picking up all the cards. Or you could have a competition to see who can pick up the most cards.

Identifying vs. Naming a Numeral

When children are just beginning to identify and name some numerals, it is important to consider that identifying a numeral and naming a numeral are different skills.

An example of identifying a numeral: A child is asked to point to a card with the number ‘two’ on it. He/she points to a card with the numeral ‘two’ on it.

An example of naming a numeral:  A child is able to say the number word ‘two’ when presented with a numeral card with the numeral ‘two’ on it.

Some children may be able to identify numerals, but find it difficult to name a numeral. As such, it is important to ensure children are given opportunities to practise both identifying and naming numerals.

Scooter races, running races, and sneaking in a few quick rounds of our maths numerals card game. I think I’ve found an new, productive and enjoyable Spring time afternoon format.

Does your child need more practise with their numerals? Here are some more maths games that work with numerals.
Dice Bingo – Subitising
Button Paperclip Number Cards
Counting: Handful of Buttons

(I originally published a version of this post on KidsActivitiesBlog.com).

N & M: 4 years, 3 months
September 2012

The post Maths: Does Your Child Know Their Numerals? by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

 
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon (and evening) at a hens party. I felt like I had snuck out of my mother hen chicken coop into a mostly non-mother hen chicken coop. It was quiet. It was clean. I enjoyed a hot cup of tea. I was on a mini-holiday!

 
We had a wonderful time. Games were played. Laughs were had. Memories were made. Advice was shared from married hens to the soon-to-be married hen….(and there were many laughs!)

 
That’s the wonderful thing about friendship and being in a community. Advice and stories are shared as we each travel along our own paths.

 
The blogging community is where I first discovered the value of Messy Play for children. My children are better for it. I’m better for it, and I want all my readers to take on our Messy Play 4 Week Challenge and be better for it.

Messy Play

Why Messy Play?

 
Messy play forms part of a child’s enriched environment. It is helpful for their development.

A child’s early experiences at touching and being touched, through their infancy, toddler and preschool years are incredibly important for not only developing tactile sensitivity, motor skills and understanding the physical world but also for their overall health and emotional well-being. Eliot (1999, p.123).

The 4 Week Messy Play Challenge

 
Challenge yourself to not dismiss or discourage a child’s tactile disposition because it may clash with your disposition.

 
Be mindful of the words you use and the messages your body language and facial gestures may convey. (Try your best to not wrinkle your nose or utter, “Oh, what a mess!”).

 
Do one Messy Play each week.

• Sensory Play with Gelatine
• Shaving Cream Car Wash
• DIY Moon Sand (or Cloud Dough)
• Messy Play with Rice

Want a Hand with Cleaning Up?

 
To help you with the clean up, we’re really happy to have three sets of Dettol Power and Pure packs to giveaway. A pack consists of a Dettol Power and Pure Multipurpose Spray for kitchen messes with an Oxygen Splash fragrance, and a Bathroom Spray, with a Fresh Mountain Spring fragrance, ideal for removing tough soap scum.

We gave the new Dettol Power & Pure Multipurpose Spray for kitchen messes a whirl after a Messy Play session. I was pretty chuffed. My kitchen smelt clean; the spray kills 99.9% of germs (such as Salmonella); and there are no harsh chemical residues.

For a chance to win one pack of Dettol Power & Pure Multipurpose Spray and Bathroom spray, in the comments below, tell me in one word what you associate with the brand Dettol . The competition is open to Australian residents and closes 5pm (AEDST) 15th October, 2012. Please note the terms and conditions of the giveaway.

We want to hear your Messy Play 4 Week Challenge stories!

 
Take on our Messy Play 4 Week Challenge. It’s fun, your kids will love you for it and it is helpful for their development.

 
I would love to hear your Messy Play 4 Week Challenge stories over on our Lessons Learnt Journal Facebook Page.

The post Messy Play: 4 Week Challenge by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.

In desperation, I hand her the only thing left in my bag that she can play with. It doesn’t fall into the “toys-for-babies-to-play-with” category as such, but her eyes light up and her little hands wave excitedly as she sees it. It’s a little box; my little tissue box, (technically a cylinder). It seems that when it comes to toys for babies, box play is all the rage.

Toys for Babies: Box Play

A baby’s muscles develop top-down: from the head; neck; shoulders and arms; down the back; hips; thighs and calves. Miss K’s upper body is now well developed enough to sit up. Being able to sit up opens up a world of new play possibilities.

Sitting up and using her hands, Bubba Miss K can now play with boxes and the contents within.

When I first introduced her to box play, I sat down on the floor with her. I showed that she could take things out of the box and play with the contents. Soon she was busy playing with boxes on her own.

With her older siblings about, Miss K loves to check out their toys. This means we have to be vigilant in baby proofing our home.

Setting aside a plastic box with a wide mouth and baby-safe contents within is helpful. Bubba Miss K likes to pull out; dump and play with the contents. Some ideas for baby safe contents include blocks, teething rings, rattles and small plush toys.

Bubba Miss K loves box play and she’s not just interested in the the contents; there is also the box itself to play with. 

With enough imagination, you can turn anything into something to play with.

 See how easily you can use boxes for engaging play:
Sand Table Play: Operation Desert Bloom
Lights Activity Box
Messy Play: Giant Tub of Goopy Goodness
Our Top 5 Water Play Toys
Bits and Bobs Box

More Activities for Babies and Toddlers

Zero to Two: The Book of Play is full of fun activities for babies and toddlers. There are 25 ideas for babies and toddlers, with additional links to over 50+ activities. A great resource for parents. Download your copy here.

 Miss K 10 months
September 2012

The post Toys for Babies: Box Play by Pauline appeared first on Lessons Learnt Journal.