Teaching and Learning Vocabulary

At Stamford Green, we recognise that it is vital that our children expand and enhance their language through the explicit teaching of vocabulary. A rich and broad vocabulary enhances communication skills, boosts cognitive development and supports successful learning. Research has shown that an extensive and varied vocabulary enhances life chances beyond education.

In every curriculum compendium, we have carefully mapped vocabulary from the Early Years to Year 6 to show progression in every subject. This allows us to build on the words children have already encountered to develop their understanding of language in a structured and coherent manner.

In Nursery and Reception, we use the ‘Word Aware’ programme to teach concept words, e.g. above, below, full, empty. As we introduce them in school, we will use these words in learning and exploration time. These important words are also communicated to parents in our newsletter together with ideas of how to use and embed them outside of school.

In KS1 and KS2, teachers identify three key words that are vital for the children’s understanding for every lesson across the curriculum. These words are explicitly introduced and explained, and displayed at the front of the room. This allows the children to use these words in class discussions and in their writing.

In addition to this, we encourage the children to use the vocabulary of a subject using our ‘Speak Like a…’ posters in class. These give stem sentences for the children to use reflecting the key skills. For example, on our KS2 ‘Speak Like a Geographer’ poster the sentence starters include, ‘The main physical characteristics are changing because…’ and ‘This place is affected by human activity because…’

We find the children are becoming increasingly curious about the words they use and more aware of the way our language is structured. This is an important skill to support their learning at Stamford Green and beyond.

For more information about the vocabulary that is taught in each curriculum subject, please see our Curriculum Compendiums.