Start a “Word a Day” Bank in Your Family

Here’s a simple and fun way to help your child become an awesome reader: Build a family “word of the day” bank.

Halfway through the school year is a perfect time to start this because it builds on skills early elementary students have already learned.

Below is a list of 30 words, one for each day in March. These can be used in any order. The faster your child can recognize and understand these words in a sentence, the more fluently he will read.

• All you need is some small cards that you have handy, like index cards, blank recipe cards, the back of old business cards, etc.
• Choose a new word each day, and write it on a card.
• Show it to your child, say it, spell it, and say it again. Have your child do the same.
• Keep the cards together in a baggie, envelope, or small container.
• Review words in the “bank” at random, whenever possible.

Acquiring vocabulary and using it properly is an integral part of becoming a good reader. It’s also a very big part of the Common Core State Standards for education.

Look for a new list of words in April to add to your child’s word bank.

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