We all know that we should look up new words in the dictionary to check their definition, but this can often feel impractical or like it disrupts the flow of reading. It’s a very easy step for child and adult readers to skip. However, it is crucial for understanding unknown vocabulary and children must be encouraged and supported to do it if they are to integrate new words into their vocabulary.
One strategy to do this in a way that doesn’t feel too interruptive, is for them to keep a reading dictionary for each book they read.
We think the best way to do this is to keep a record of new words on a vocabulary tracker bookmark, and then follow this up with a more detailed record in a readily accessible notebook. (N.B. You could make this feel more special by taking a trip to a local stationary shop to pick out a special notebook together.)
You can support your child with their vocabulary tracker and reading dictionary by:
- Asking them about new words they have learned from the book they are reading.
- Looking through their reading dictionary with them and have fun making up sentences including the words together.
- Printing a new vocabulary tracker bookmark for each new book they read.
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