List of Best Preschool Vocabulary Words
Find 30 vocabulary words for your kindergartener, plus learn how to use them and the benefits of knowing them.
List of Best Preschool Vocabulary Words
The earliest years of a child’s life are characterized by rapid cognitive growth and linguistic development.
Introducing them to a diverse vocabulary can enhance their comprehension and communication skills, setting the stage for academic success.
Preschool vocabulary words are more than just a list of words; they are the building blocks of language, crucial for understanding the world and expressing oneself.
Here, we present a curated list of preschool vocabulary words, covering various themes and concepts, and why they are essential.
Kindergarten Vocabulary List: 30 Words Your Kids Should Know
1. Everyday Basics
- Family members: mother, father, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa.
- Body parts: hand, foot, head, eye, nose, mouth.
- Feelings: happy, sad, angry, scared, excited, tired.
Introducing children to words they encounter daily fosters a sense of familiarity.
They can easily associate these words with their experiences, making learning intuitive and relatable.
2. Colors and Shapes
- Colors: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, purple.
- Shapes: circle, square, triangle, rectangle, star, oval.
Recognizing colors and shapes forms the foundation for more advanced concepts in math and art.
Moreover, children love categorizing things based on appearance, and these words enrich that exploration.
3. Numbers and Counting
- Numbers: one to ten (at least).
- Concepts: more, less, many, few.
Numbers introduce children to the world of mathematics. By understanding basic counting and relative concepts, they begin to grasp the notion of quantity and numerical relationships.
4. Nature and Environment
- Weather: sun, rain, snow, wind, storm.
- Animals: cat, dog, bird, fish, horse, lion.
- Plants: tree, flower, grass, leaf.
Nature is a vast playground for children. These words not only nurture curiosity about the environment but also instill a sense of appreciation and care for our planet.
5. Daily Activities and Routines
- Actions: eat, sleep, play, read, sing, dance.
- Objects: book, toy, bed, chair, shoes, clothes.
Having vocabulary related to daily routines allows children to anticipate what’s next, understand their day, and communicate their needs or desires.
6. Descriptive Adjectives
- Size: big, small, long, short.
- Textures: soft, hard, smooth, rough.
- Positions: up, down, in, out, on, under.
Descriptive words provide children with tools to express more complex ideas and make comparisons.
It adds depth to their language and facilitates more detailed observations.
Download our entire printable list of Vocabulary Words for Preschool. Add your own vocabulary words in the blank spaces.
ABCmouse offers so much more than just vocabulary words! Our app offers interactive and engaging content that reinforces word recognition and can help grow math and reading skills through games and activities.
The Benefits of Vocabulary Words for Preschoolers
- Cognitive and Linguistic Development:
A rich vocabulary acts as a catalyst for brain development, helping boost cognitive skills like memory, attention, and logical thinking.
- Confidence and Self-expression:
As children master new words, their confidence to communicate and express their thoughts and feelings grows.
- Academic Preparedness:
A solid vocabulary foundation in preschool helps prepare children for reading, writing, and comprehension in their later school years.
- Enhanced Curiosity:
Being equipped with the right words allows children to ask more insightful questions, feeding their natural curiosity.
- Building Connections:
Language is a social tool. A diverse vocabulary aids in forming connections with peers, teachers, and family.
Preschool vocabulary is more than just words; it’s a passport to understanding the world and connecting with it. By deliberately choosing a varied and comprehensive set of words, educators and parents can set children on a path to lifelong learning and communication prowess.
Check Out Our Online Learning Tools
Additional Resources
ABCmouse has kindergarten activities and games designed by early education experts to help your child keep learning:
Engaging Letter Sound Activities
Explore some fun activities and ideas for helping preschoolers learn letter sounds.
Browse →
Preschool Sight Word List
If your child is ready to start working on sight words check out our list here.
Browse →
Educational Games for Preschoolers
Check out our collection of online games, including those focused on building preschool math and reading skills.
Browse →
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