A research study titled “Vocabulary Development During The Preschool Years” states that “Active participation can increase the likelihood that preschoolers [will] learn more vocabulary.”

The Guessing Game, which is only one component of Vocabulary Development addressed by the Pre K Scholars Curriculum, is as active as it gets and the children truly value being involved in the learning process. My students ask me daily, “Is it time for the Guessing Game?” It’s a favorite for all.

This week’s game provided three clues:

1. It has a face and hands

2. It’s numbered from 1 to 12

3. It tells you the time

We have already introduced both Karate Kicking Kim and Carmen the Cook, so we know the answer must begin with the hard “C” or “K” sound. Mouths are closed, but minds are thinking and eyes are widening as hands pop up.

One is called to answer: “Clock!” The child with the correct answer is given the card and may put it into the pocket chart below the corresponding beginning letter–and on to the next, until the game is completed.

While the kids are having so much fun and feeling so proud of themselves, they don’t realize they are working on phonics, letter/sound recollection, beginning sounds, vocabulary expansion and recognition, memory recall, deductive thinking, prior knowledge, listening skills, social development by listening to peers, taking turns, sitting still, raising hand and on and on…

I’m curious–how is your child exposed to new vocabulary?