Top 100 PSLE Primary 4 Vocabulary List: Level Basic
- Agree
- Brave
- Create
- Decide
- Enjoy
- Follow
- Gather
- Hope
- Imagine
- Join
- Keep
- Learn
- Move
- Notice
- Obey
- Protect
- Quiet
- Remember
- Share
- Think
- Understand
- Visit
- Wait
- Accept
- Borrow
- Climb
- Describe
- Explain
- Forgive
- Help
- Invent
- Juggle
- Listen
- Mention
- Nudge
- Offer
- Praise
- Question
- Read
- Suggest
- Travel
- Use
- Value
- Whisper
- Exchange
- Yearn
- Zip
- Admire
- Behave
- Connect
- Discover
- Expand
- Greet
- Humble
- Inspire
- Judge
- Laugh
- Migrate
- Narrate
- Organize
- Perform
- Quench
- Respect
- Smile
- Thank
- Unite
- Volunteer
- Wonder
- Exclaim
- Yell
- Zoom
- Adjust
- Belong
- Contribute
- Dream
- Encourage
- Focus
- Hug
- Include
- Jump
- Locate
- Measure
- Navigate
- Observe
- Predict
- Quietly
- Repeat
- Sing
- Trust
- Upset
- View
- Write
- Imitate
- Jot
- Label
- Memorize
- Negotiate
- Overcome
- Participate
- Question
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How we can improve a Primary 4 Student’s vocabulary
In the world of education, vocabulary acquisition is a critical aspect of a child’s cognitive development, especially during their primary years. For Pri 4 P4 Primary 4 English students, aged around ten years old, the acquisition of a rich and diverse vocabulary serves as the foundation for their reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and overall language development. We will explore various strategies and techniques that can be implemented to improve a Primary 4 student’s vocabulary, focusing on the roles that parents, teachers, and tutors play in supporting their language learning journey.

A strong vocabulary is essential for children to express themselves effectively, understand complex ideas, and communicate with others. It not only aids in the development of their reading and writing skills but also empowers them in their academic pursuits and future careers. Therefore, it is crucial to invest time and resources in enhancing vocabulary skills for Primary 4 English students, as it will ultimately benefit their holistic development.
One of the most effective ways to improve a child’s vocabulary is through regular reading. Research shows that children who read widely and frequently encounter a more extensive range of words, which helps them build a richer vocabulary. Parents, teachers, and tutors can encourage children to read a diverse selection of books, newspapers, and magazines. They can also introduce them to various genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and biographies, to expose them to different writing styles and vocabulary usage. Providing a print-rich environment at home and in the classroom, filled with engaging and age-appropriate reading materials, will foster a love for reading and support vocabulary growth.
Another vital strategy for vocabulary development is direct instruction, which involves explicitly teaching new words and their meanings. Teachers can incorporate vocabulary lessons into their lesson plans and use various teaching methods, such as flashcards, word walls, and visual aids, to help students understand and remember new words. They can also use real-life examples, stories, and contexts to help students make connections between new words and their existing knowledge. Tutors can reinforce these lessons during their tutoring sessions by focusing on the specific vocabulary needs of their students and tailoring their teaching approaches accordingly.
Parents can also play a significant role in their child’s vocabulary development by engaging in daily conversations with them. Talking to children about various topics, asking open-ended questions, and introducing new words in context can help children expand their vocabulary and improve their listening and speaking skills. Parents can also encourage children to express their thoughts and ideas, provide explanations, and use newly acquired words in conversation. This not only helps children understand the meaning and usage of new words but also promotes their critical thinking and communication skills.
In addition to conversations, parents can introduce vocabulary-building activities and games into their child’s daily routine. Word puzzles, crosswords, word searches, and online vocabulary games can provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn new words and reinforce their existing vocabulary. Parents can also involve their children in family activities, such as cooking, gardening, or shopping, and use these opportunities to introduce new words and discuss their meanings in context. This helps children see the relevance of the words they are learning and understand how they are used in real-life situations.
Another valuable technique for improving vocabulary is the use of mnemonic devices, which are memory aids that help students remember new words and their meanings. These can include acronyms, rhymes, songs, or visual images that are associated with the word. Teachers, tutors, and parents can introduce mnemonic devices during vocabulary lessons and encourage students to create their own to help them remember new words. By making the learning process more enjoyable and engaging, mnemonic devices can help students retain new vocabulary more effectively.
It is also essential for teachers to create a supportive and encouraging classroom environment that fosters vocabulary growth. This includes promoting a culture of curiosity, where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and seek clarification when they encounter unfamiliar words. Teachers can model curiosity by asking questions and demonstrating a genuine interest in learning new vocabulary themselves. By creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, students will feel more comfortable in taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them as they expand their vocabulary.

In addition to fostering a positive classroom environment, teachers can also differentiate their instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Some children may require additional support in vocabulary development, while others may need more challenging materials to continue expanding their vocabulary. By providing targeted instruction and scaffolding, teachers can ensure that all students have the opportunity to grow and succeed in their vocabulary learning.
Peer learning is another effective strategy for vocabulary development. Teachers and tutors can encourage students to work together in pairs or small groups to discuss new words, share their understanding, and practice using the words in context. This collaborative approach not only helps students learn from one another but also fosters social skills and builds their confidence in using new vocabulary. Parents can also facilitate peer learning by organizing playdates or study groups where children can engage in vocabulary-building activities together.
Incorporating technology into vocabulary instruction can also be highly beneficial. There are numerous digital resources, such as online dictionaries, thesauruses, and vocabulary games, that can help students learn and practice new words. Teachers and tutors can integrate these tools into their lessons, while parents can encourage their children to use them at home. By leveraging technology, students can access a wealth of information and learning opportunities that can support their vocabulary growth.
Another important aspect of vocabulary development is regular assessment and feedback. Teachers, tutors, and parents should regularly monitor the progress of students in their vocabulary learning and provide constructive feedback to help them improve. This may include informal assessments, such as observing students during discussions or reviewing their written work, as well as more formal assessments like quizzes or tests. By identifying areas where students need additional support or more challenging materials, teachers, tutors, and parents can tailor their instruction and provide targeted interventions to help students succeed.
Finally, it is crucial to recognize the importance of a growth mindset in vocabulary development. Teachers, tutors, and parents should encourage students to view vocabulary learning as an ongoing process and celebrate their progress and achievements. By emphasizing the value of effort and persistence, students will be more likely to take ownership of their learning and continue to expand their vocabulary throughout their lives.

For the latest in SEAB PSLE English Syllabus, here.
Summary
Improving a Primary 4 student’s vocabulary requires a multifaceted approach that involves the active participation of parents, teachers, and tutors. By providing a supportive and engaging learning environment, promoting a love for reading, and employing a variety of instructional strategies and resources, we can help children develop a strong vocabulary foundation that will serve them well in their academic and personal lives. By investing in their vocabulary development, we are empowering these young learners to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and lifelong learners who will continue to grow and succeed in their future endeavors.
