What are Vocabulary Words for Kindergarten?

There are so many words worldwide, so what should we concentrate on when teaching new vocabulary to kindergarten children? Let’s find out.

There is something quite delicious about words. For all the logophiles out there, we know that having a massive basket of words at our disposal only makes life sweeter. We’ve got all the resources and tips to help your children build a love of words and a bursting vocabulary from an early age.

Vocabulary for kindergarten – How many words should your child know?

12-18 months, 20 words

4 years 1,500-1,600 words

5 years 2,100-2,200 words

6 years 2,600 words expressive vocabulary 20,000-24,000 words receptive vocabulary

12 years 50,000 words receptive vocabulary

So, what are children learning when it comes to early vocabulary?

Here’s a short list of the types of vocabulary for kindergarten that EYLF children will be learning as they enter the realms of preschool:

Practice words

Learning categories by sounds such as animals, vegetables, and colors.

Sight words

Words are learned by sight and not by sound (phonics).

Compound words

Understanding common compound words (e.g., hair + cut = haircut).

Synonyms and antonyms

Learning synonyms: different words with the same meaning, and antonyms: the opposite definition of words.

Plural words

Children start to understand words meaning more than one.

Common homonyms

These words sound the same but have different meanings, such as ‘board’ and ‘bored.’

Question words

Children will practice using ‘Who,’ ‘What,’ ‘How,’ and ‘Why.’

List of vocabulary for kindergarten

Kindergarten Sight Words

High Utility Words