Primary 1 English Vocabulary Words

Here’s a curated list of 20 Primary 1 English vocabulary words with meaning and examples and idioms and phrasal verbs. Each word is accompanied by its meaning and an example sentence suitable for young learners in Singapore:

Word	Meaning	Example Sentence
Happy	Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.	“She felt happy seeing her friends at school.”
Friend	A person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.	“He made a new friend at the playground.”
Play	Engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation.	“They play together during recess at school.”
Help	Make it easier or possible for (someone) to do something by offering them one’s services or resources.	“She helps her mother set the table for dinner.”
Laugh	Make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement.	“The funny story made her laugh out loud.”
Give	Freely transfer the possession of (something) to (someone).	“He gives his extra stickers to his classmates.”
Cry	Shed tears, typically as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow.	“She cried when she lost her favorite toy, but her teacher comforted her.”
Share	Have a portion of (something) with another or others.	“He shares his snacks with his friends during lunch.”
Learn	Gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in (something) by study, experience, or being taught.	“They learn to read and write in Primary 1.”
Write	Mark (letters, words, or other symbols) on a surface, typically paper, with a pen, pencil, or similar implement.	“She writes her name on her workbook.”
Listen	Give one’s attention to a sound.	“Listen to the teacher’s instructions carefully.”
Clean	Free from dirt, marks, or stains.	“He helps clean up the classroom after art class.”
Find	Discover or perceive by chance or unexpectedly.	“She finds a beautiful shell at East Coast Park.”
Walk	Move at a regular pace by lifting and setting down each foot in turn.	“They walk to school together every morning.”
Talk	Speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings.	“He talks about his holiday trip during show and tell.”
Think	Have a particular opinion, belief, or idea about someone or something.	“She thinks about what book to read next.”
Show	Allow or cause to be visible.	“The teacher shows how to solve the math problem on the board.”
Open	Move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and view.	“Open your books to page five, please.”
Eat	Put (food) into the mouth and chew and swallow it.	“He eats his lunch quickly to have more time to play.”
Drink	Take (a liquid) into the mouth and swallow.	“She drinks a glass of water after PE class.”

These vocabulary words are foundational for Primary 1 students, helping them to communicate effectively and understand the world around them. These words also foster positive work attitudes and social skills, which are crucial at this formative stage of education. Parents and educators can explore these concepts further and find additional resources on educational websites such as The Straits Times Education or Ministry of Education, Singapore which provide valuable insights into the Singapore education system and its approach to learning and development.

Table of idioms and phrasal verbs

Here is a table of idioms and phrasal verbs themed for Primary 1 English, complete with their meanings and example sentences relevant to the Singapore context. To enhance the learning experience, each example is linked to a high-traffic Singaporean website for additional exploration:

Idiom/Phrasal Verb	Meaning	Example Sentence	Relevant Singapore Website
Rise to the occasion	To step up and meet the challenge	“During the inter-school debate, he rose to the occasion and delivered a winning argument.”	The Straits Times
Step up to the plate	To take responsibility when it is needed	“When the class project was faltering, she stepped up to the plate to lead the team.”	Channel NewsAsia
Go the extra mile	To do more than is expected of you	“The teacher went the extra mile to ensure her students were well-prepared for the PSLE.”	Ministry of Education, Singapore
Set the bar high	To have high standards	“Singapore sets the bar high for public cleanliness and expects everyone to do their part.”	National Environment Agency
Take the initiative	To act independently, taking action without needing direction	“He took the initiative to organize a community clean-up at East Coast Park.”	Public Hygiene Council
Lay the groundwork	To prepare the basics or foundation	“Early reading programs lay the groundwork for literacy success in young children.”	National Library Board
Pave the way	To create opportunities or make progress easier	“Innovations in fintech are paving the way for easier access to banking services.”	Monetary Authority of Singapore
Raise the bar	To increase standards or expectations	“The new curriculum aims to raise the bar for academic excellence in primary schools.”	Ministry of Education, Singapore
Break new ground	To do something innovative	“Local scientists are breaking new ground in water purification technology.”	PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
Take charge	To assume control or leadership	“She took charge of the group project and delegated tasks efficiently.”	People’s Association, Singapore
Make strides	To make significant progress	“Singapore has made strides in reducing plastic use with new environmental policies.”	National Environment Agency
Push the envelope	To extend the limits of what is possible	“Local architects push the envelope with sustainable building designs.”	Urban Redevelopment Authority
Think on your feet	To think and respond quickly, especially under pressure	“In fast-paced math competitions, students must think on their feet to solve problems quickly.”	Singapore Mathematical Society
Change the game	To significantly alter the way something is done	“Virtual classrooms have changed the game for how education is delivered during the pandemic.”	Ministry of Education, Singapore
Cutting corners	To do something the easiest or cheapest way, often sacrificing quality	“When it comes to safety, cutting corners is not an option on Singapore’s construction sites.”	Building and Construction Authority

These idioms and phrasal verbs not only enhance students’ expressive capabilities but also connect them with real-world applications and the high standards expected in various aspects of Singaporean life.

Why we teach these vocabulary words to Primary 1 English Students

At eduKate Singapore, we believe in laying a strong foundation for our Primary 1 students by introducing them to vocabulary that not only enhances their language skills but also molds them into well-rounded individuals. Learning robust vocabulary at a young age is not just about academic excellence—it’s about fostering a positive mindset and developing respectful and appreciative attitudes towards life and learning.

Educational Philosophy and Approach

Our focus on vocabulary goes beyond mere word recognition; it’s about understanding the essence and application of these words in real-life contexts. Words like “share,” “help,” and “care” are introduced early on, encouraging children to embody these qualities in their daily interactions. By integrating such vocabulary into our curriculum, we aim to build a community of learners who are not only intellectually capable but also emotionally intelligent.

Corrective Nature of Vocabulary Learning

Incorporating targeted vocabulary into early education has a corrective nature on young students’ attitudes. It encourages them to adopt positive behaviors and attitudes from the outset. For example, teaching words associated with cooperation and empathy helps students understand and value different perspectives and to work well with others. This foundational education helps prevent negative behaviors such as bullying and fosters a classroom environment where all students feel valued and included.

Practical Application in Daily Lessons

We ensure that these vocabulary lessons are not confined to the classroom. Through interactive storytelling, role-playing, and themed activities, children learn to use these words in various settings, enhancing their understanding and retention. For instance, when a child learns the word “cooperate,” they practice it by working in teams during activities, thereby understanding its value through application.

Community and Parental Involvement

We encourage parents to engage with their children’s learning by using these vocabulary words at home. Discussing the day’s word and finding ways to demonstrate it in real-life situations reinforces learning and makes it more meaningful. We also invite parents to participate in school events that celebrate and showcase students’ use of their new vocabulary in creative ways.

Long-Term Impact

The early introduction of such vocabulary is crucial for building a solid foundation for lifelong learning and personal development. Primary 1 English Students who start with a strong command of language and an understanding of these core values are better prepared to face academic challenges and life opportunities with confidence. As these young learners grow, they carry with them not just a wealth of words, but also the capacity to apply them thoughtfully and compassionately in their interactions.

At eduKate Singapore, we are committed to nurturing each child not just academically but as global citizens who appreciate and contribute positively to their world. This approach ensures that our students don’t just do well—they also appreciate life and grow up to be capable, caring individuals. Join us on this enriching journey at eduKate Singapore, where education is not just about learning—it’s about growing to live well and with purpose.

More Primary 1 Vocabulary Words here:

Primary 1

What Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 1 English?

Top 100 PSLE Primary 1 Vocabulary List: Level Advanced

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 1 English: Theme ‘Happy’

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 1 English: Theme Strategy and Planning

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 1 English Tuition: Theme ‘Friends’

Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 1 English: ‘Family’ Download tutor pdf

How to Teach Vocabulary to a Primary 1 English Student

The Best Way to Improve Vocabulary for Primary 1 English Students

What should I teach my child in Primary 1 English

How to Use Our Primary 1 English Tuition Vocabulary Lists