What Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 2 English with meaning? Basics
Vocabulary development is fundamental to improving reading and writing skills. For Primary 2 (typically 7 to 8-year-olds) English, here’s a list of words that can be incorporated. This list is by no means exhaustive but can serve as a starting point:
- Adjectives:
- Beautiful
- Bright
- Colorful
- Delicious
- Fast
- Gigantic
- Heavy
- Tiny
- Noisy
- Quiet
- Verbs:
- Whisper
- Shout
- Jump
- Run
- Climb
- Draw
- Swim
- Laugh
- Think
- Listen
- Nouns:
- Mountain
- Ocean
- Tree
- Book
- Bicycle
- Animal
- School
- Friend
- Sky
- Toy
- Common Phrases:
- Once upon a time
- During the day
- In the night
- On top of
- Beneath/under
- In front of
- Behind
- Next to
- Far away
- Near/close to
- Contractions:
- I’m (I am)
- Isn’t (is not)
- Don’t (do not)
- Can’t (cannot)
- We’ll (we will)
- She’s (she is)
- He’s (he is)
- They’re (they are)
- You’re (you are)
- We’ve (we have)
- Time-related words:
- Morning
- Noon
- Evening
- Night
- Today
- Tomorrow
- Yesterday
- Now
- Later
- Soon
- Colors:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Purple
- Pink
- Brown
- Black
- White
- Numbers & Concepts (beyond basic counting):
- Double
- Half
- More than
- Less than
- Between
- Dozen
- Pair
- Many
- Few
- Several
- Feelings/Emotions:
- Happy
- Sad
- Excited
- Scared
- Angry
- Surprised
- Tired
- Bored
- Curious
- Frustrated
- Days & Months:
- Monday to Sunday
- January to December
Time-related words:
- Morning
- Noon
- Evening
- Night
- Today
- Tomorrow
- Yesterday
- Now
- Later
- Soon
Colors:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Orange
- Purple
- Pink
- Brown
- Black
- White
Numbers & Concepts:
- Double
- Half
- More than
- Less than
- Between
- Dozen
- Pair
- Many
- Few
- Several
Feelings/Emotions:
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Excited
- Scared
- Calm
- Jealous
- Tired
- Surprised
- Confused
Basic Opposites:
- Big (Small)
- Hot (Cold)
- Day (Night)
- Full (Empty)
- Hard (Soft)
- Young (Old)
- Tall (Short)
- Light (Heavy)
- Near (Far)
- High (Low)
Family & Relationships:
- Mother
- Father
- Brother
- Sister
- Grandmother
- Grandfather
- Aunt
- Uncle
- Cousin
- Friend
Places & Locations:
- Home
- School
- Park
- Zoo
- Hospital
- Library
- Supermarket
- Beach
- Mountain
- Cinema
Objects & Things:
- Toy
- Book
- Pen
- Chair
- Table
- Bicycle
- Clock
- Shoe
- Bag
- Ball
Animals:
- Dog
- Cat
- Bird
- Fish
- Elephant
- Lion
- Rabbit
- Frog
- Cow
- Monkey
Additionally, interactive methods such as reading storybooks, playing vocabulary games, and engaging in discussions can help to naturally introduce new words and reinforce their meanings. Encourage children to use these words in sentences to grasp their context and deeper understanding.
eduKate Parent Reviews:
1. Linda T., Mother of 8-year-old, Sarah
“Mastering vocabulary during Sarah’s Primary 2 years always seemed daunting. But, after reading the article “What Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 2 English?” I felt equipped with a clear roadmap. We incorporated word games into our daily routine and diversified our reading materials. I was amazed how much Sarah’s reading comprehension improved in just a few weeks. The tip about using visual aids was especially beneficial. I highly recommend parents engage in active discussions with their children—it’s a simple yet powerful way to reinforce new words. The provided links to Oxford Learning and Cambridge English became our go-to for additional resources.”
2. Rajesh K., Father of 7-year-old, Aryan
“When Aryan entered his Primary two year, I noticed he struggled with English, especially vocabulary. This article sheds light on the importance of vocabulary at this crucial phase. As suggested, we started using educational apps, and the results were phenomenal. Contextual learning made a huge difference, too. Instead of memorising words, Aryan began understanding them, boosting his writing skills and overall confidence. The FAQ section was a lifesaver, addressing all my concerns. It’s evident that a strong vocabulary foundation plays a significant role in a child’s language development.”
Quick Summary for Parents:
- What it is: Vocabulary development at the Primary 2 level is crucial for English language proficiency.
- Improving it: Regular reading, word games, and active engagement can help.
- How to learn: Contextual learning, visual aids, and repetition are effective strategies.
- How to prepare: Ensure exposure to diverse reading materials and create a conducive learning environment.
- What can be done: Encourage daily practice, provide tools, and get professional help if needed.
- Reasons: A strong vocabulary foundation will benefit reading, writing, and communication skills in the long run.
Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 2 English with meaning
Adjectives:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Beautiful | Pleasing to the eyes or mind | The garden is beautiful. |
Bright | Giving off or reflecting much light | The sun is very bright today. |
Colorful | Full of color | She wore a colorful dress. |
Delicious | Very pleasant to taste | This cake is delicious! |
Fast | Moving quickly | He can run very fast. |
Gigantic | Very large | The elephant is gigantic. |
Heavy | Weighing a lot | This box is too heavy for me. |
Tiny | Very small | I found a tiny bug. |
Noisy | Making a lot of noise | The market is very noisy. |
Quiet | Making little or no noise | The library is a quiet place. |
Verbs:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Whisper | To speak very softly | He will whisper the secret in your ear. |
Shout | To call or cry out loudly | Don’t shout in the classroom. |
Jump | To push off with both feet | The cat can jump very high. |
Run | To move rapidly on foot | He likes to run in the park. |
Climb | To go up using hands and/or feet | She will climb the tree. |
Draw | To make a picture with a pen or pencil | I love to draw houses. |
Swim | To move through water | He can swim very fast. |
Laugh | To express happiness with sound | We laugh at funny jokes. |
Think | To have ideas or consider something | I think it’s going to rain. |
Listen | To give attention to sound | Listen to the music. |
Nouns:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Mountain | A very tall, rocky landform | We hiked up the mountain last summer. |
Ocean | A vast body of salt water | The Pacific is the largest ocean. |
Tree | A tall plant with a wooden trunk | The tree provides shade on hot days. |
Book | A set of pages with information | My favorite book is about dragons. |
Bicycle | A vehicle with two wheels | I ride my bicycle to school. |
Animal | A living creature like dogs or lions | The lion is a wild animal. |
School | A place where children learn | I have many friends at school. |
Friend | Someone whom you like and trust | My best friend is named Sarah. |
Sky | The space above the Earth | The sky is blue and clear today. |
Toy | An object for children to play with | My favorite toy is a teddy bear. |
Common Phrases:
Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Once upon a time | Used to start fairy tales or stories | Once upon a time, there was a king. |
During the day | While the sun is up | I work during the day and rest at night. |
In the night | During nighttime hours | Owls are active in the night. |
On top of | Over or above something else | The cat is sitting on top of the roof. |
Beneath/under | In a lower position than something else | The dog hid beneath the table. |
In front of | Positioned before or ahead of | The teacher stands in front of the class. |
Behind | At the back of | The ball is behind the sofa. |
Next to | Directly beside | Sit next to your sister, please. |
Far away | A long distance from a point | My grandmother lives far away. |
Near/close to | A short distance from a point | The park is near our house. |
Contractions:
Contraction | Full Form | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
I’m | I am | Refers to oneself | I’m going to the park. |
Isn’t | is not | Negative form of “is” | It isn’t raining today. |
Don’t | do not | Advising against an action | Don’t touch the hot stove. |
Can’t | cannot | Incapable of doing something | I can’t find my toy. |
We’ll | we will | Indicates future action | We’ll visit Grandma tomorrow. |
She’s | she is | Referring to a female subject | She’s my best friend. |
He’s | he is | Referring to a male subject | He’s playing football now. |
They’re | they are | Referring to a group of people | They’re coming to the party. |
You’re | you are | Referring to someone being spoken to | You’re doing a great job. |
We’ve | we have | Denotes possession or experience | We’ve got some cookies. |
Time-related words:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Morning | The early part of the day | I wake up early in the morning. |
Noon | The middle of the day; 12:00 PM | We usually eat lunch at noon. |
Evening | The late part of the day | The sun sets in the evening. |
Night | The time after sunset; darkness | Stars shine at night. |
Today | The present day | I have a test today. |
Tomorrow | The day after today | We’ll go to the zoo tomorrow. |
Yesterday | The day before today | I visited Grandma yesterday. |
Now | At the present time | I am doing my homework now. |
Later | At some time in the future | We’ll eat ice cream later. |
Soon | In a short time from now | Summer vacation will start soon. |
Colors:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Red | A primary color | Apples are usually red. |
Blue | A primary color | The sky is blue on a clear day. |
Green | Color of grass | Leaves are green in spring. |
Yellow | Bright color like the sun | The sunflower is yellow. |
Orange | Color of the fruit, orange | I have an orange backpack. |
Purple | Color of violets | She likes purple grapes. |
Pink | Light shade of red | My sister’s dress is pink. |
Brown | Color of chocolate | Bears are usually brown. |
Black | Absence of color | The night sky is black. |
White | Color of snow | Clouds are usually white. |
Numbers & Concepts:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Double | Twice the amount or size | I’ll take a double scoop of ice cream. |
Half | One of two equal parts of a whole | I ate half of the pizza. |
More than | Greater in amount | I have more than five candies. |
Less than | Smaller in amount | She read less than ten books. |
Between | In the middle of two things | The cat is sitting between two chairs. |
Dozen | A group of twelve | I bought a dozen eggs. |
Pair | A set of two things | I have a pair of socks. |
Many | A large number | There are many stars in the sky. |
Few | A small number | There are a few apples left. |
Several | More than a few but not a lot | She has several toys in her room. |
Feelings/Emotions:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Happy | Feeling joy or pleasure | He’s happy because it’s his birthday. |
Sad | Feeling sorrow or unhappiness | She felt sad when her toy broke. |
Angry | Feeling strong annoyance | He was angry when he lost his game. |
Excited | Feeling very enthusiastic and eager | I’m excited about the school trip. |
Scared | Feeling fear or worry | Ghost stories make her scared. |
Calm | Free from excitement or anxiety | The lake is very calm in the morning. |
Jealous | Feeling envy of someone or their achievements | He’s jealous of her new bike. |
Tired | Needing sleep or rest | After the long walk, she was tired. |
Surprised | Feeling sudden wonder or astonishment | He was surprised by the gift. |
Confused | Unable to think clearly | The math problem made him confused. |
Basic Opposites:
Word | Opposite | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|---|
Big | Small | Of considerable size or extent | That’s a big tree. |
Hot | Cold | Having a high temperature | The tea is too hot to drink. |
Day | Night | Time between sunrise and sunset | We play during the day. |
Full | Empty | Containing or holding as much as possible | The glass is full of milk. |
Hard | Soft | Solid, firm, and resistant | The floor is hard. |
Young | Old | Having lived or existed for only a short time | My brother is young. |
Tall | Short | Of great height | He is tall for his age. |
Light | Heavy | Not dark in color | Feathers are light. |
Near | Far | Close by in distance | The shop is near my house. |
High | Low | At a great vertical elevation | Birds fly high in the sky. |
Family & Relationships:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Mother | A female parent | My mother makes delicious cookies. |
Father | A male parent | My father reads me a story at night. |
Brother | A male sibling | My brother plays soccer with me. |
Sister | A female sibling | My sister likes to draw. |
Grandmother | The mother of one’s mother or father | We visit our grandmother every Sunday. |
Grandfather | The father of one’s mother or father | Grandfather tells us old stories. |
Aunt | The sister of one’s mother or father | My aunt gave me a lovely gift. |
Uncle | The brother of one’s mother or father | My uncle teaches me how to fish. |
Cousin | A child of one’s aunt or uncle | I play video games with my cousin. |
Friend | Someone whom you like and spend time with | Sarah is my best friend at school. |
Places & Locations:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Home | A place where one lives | I’ll be at home after school. |
School | A place where children go to learn | We have a math test at school today. |
Park | A public place with green space for recreation | Let’s play on the swings at the park. |
Zoo | A place where wild animals are kept for public viewing | I saw a lion at the zoo. |
Hospital | A place where sick or injured people get care | My mom works at the hospital. |
Library | A place with many books to read or borrow | I borrow books from the library every week. |
Supermarket | A large shop that sells groceries and goods | We buy our groceries from the supermarket. |
Beach | A sandy shore near the sea or ocean | We built sandcastles at the beach. |
Mountain | A high, often rocky area of land | We’re going hiking on the mountain. |
Cinema | A place to watch movies | We watched a movie at the cinema yesterday. |
Objects & Things:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Toy | An object for children to play with | My favorite toy is a teddy bear. |
Book | A set of written or printed pages | I read a book before bedtime. |
Pen | An instrument for writing with ink | I need a pen to write a letter. |
Chair | A seat for one person | Please sit on the chair. |
Table | A flat surface supported by legs | We eat dinner at the table. |
Bicycle | A vehicle with two wheels | I ride my bicycle to school. |
Clock | An instrument to measure and show time | The clock says it’s 3 o’clock. |
Shoe | A covering for the foot | I need new shoes for the party. |
Bag | A container to carry things | I packed my bag for the trip. |
Ball | A round object used in many games | Let’s play catch with the ball. |
Animals:
Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
---|---|---|
Dog | A domesticated carnivorous mammal | My dog barks when someone comes over. |
Cat | A small domesticated carnivorous mammal | The cat purrs when it’s happy. |
Bird | A warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate | The bird sings beautifully. |
Fish | A water-dwelling animal with gills | I have a gold fish in my aquarium. |
Elephant | A large mammal with a trunk | The elephant is the largest land animal. |
Lion | A wild cat known as the “king of the jungle” | The lion roared loudly. |
Rabbit | A burrowing mammal with long ears | The rabbit hops around the garden. |
Frog | A tailless amphibian with strong legs | The frog jumped into the pond. |
Cow | A large domesticated mammal, source of milk | The cow grazed in the field. |
Monkey | A tree-dwelling mammal with a long tail | The monkey swung from branch to branch. |
Understanding the Importance: What It Is
Primary 2 is a crucial phase in a child’s English learning journey. At this stage, vocabulary expansion plays a vital role in not only improving reading and comprehension skills but also in building a foundation for fluent communication. The right vocabulary words equip students to express themselves clearly and understand texts at a deeper level.
Enhancing Vocabulary: Improving It
Improving vocabulary at the Primary 2 level requires a blend of structured learning and fun, engaging activities. Parents and teachers can:
- Introduce Word Games: Games like Scrabble, Boggle, or word search puzzles can be exciting ways to discover new words.
- Encourage Reading: Regular reading exposes children to a wealth of vocabulary. Diverse genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, are beneficial.
- Active Discussion: Engaging children in discussions about their day, books they’ve read, or stories they’ve heard can prompt them to use and recall new words.
Techniques and Tools: How to Learn
- Contextual Learning: Teach words in context. Instead of rote memorization, use sentences, stories, or situations where the word would naturally occur.
- Visual Aids: Flashcards, illustrated books, and apps can help solidify the meaning of words.
- Repetition: Regularly revisiting and using new vocabulary words ensures they are committed to long-term memory.
Here are more Vocabulary Lists for Primary 2 English students with meanings and examples:
Primary 2
- Top 100 PSLE Primary 2 Vocabulary List with meaning: Level Advanced
- Top 100 Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 2 English: ‘Compassion’
- Top 30 PSLE Primary 2 Vocabulary List with meaning and examples: ‘Characters’
- Importance of Learning Vocabulary Themes on Character and Compassion in P2
- What Vocabulary Words to Learn for Primary 2 English Tuition Theme: Work
For students in Primary 2 (typically around ages 7-8), vocabulary acquisition is a critical part of their language development. At this stage, they’re moving from foundational word recognition to reading fluency and comprehension. They’re also learning to communicate more complex thoughts, both in writing and verbally. Here’s a breakdown of why the vocabulary words provided are foundational for Primary 2 English:
- Time-related words: Understanding time helps students sequence events and develop a sense of past, present, and future. It’s common in narratives and is essential for understanding routine (e.g., “We’ll read this book tomorrow“).
- Colors: Colors are one of the basic descriptors that children first learn. They’re used for descriptions, categorizing objects, and symbolic meanings (e.g., “feeling blue“).
- Numbers & Concepts: These words assist in quantitative understanding. They’re essential not just for mathematics but also for understanding amounts, differences, and comparisons in everyday situations.
- Feelings/Emotions: Emotion words help children express themselves and understand the feelings of others. They play a significant role in social interactions and in understanding narratives or stories.
- Basic Opposites: Opposites help students learn antonyms and broaden their vocabulary range. They provide a more in-depth understanding of words by knowing their counterparts (e.g., understanding what “hot” means by also knowing “cold”).
- Family & Relationships: These words form the basis of personal identity and relationships. Children often talk about their family members, and these terms are also frequent in early reading materials.
- Places & Locations: Familiarizing students with various places helps them understand settings in stories, gives context to real-world situations, and aids in spatial understanding.
- Objects & Things: Everyday objects are essential for basic communication. They’re also the nouns children encounter most frequently in early reading materials.
- Animals: Animals are a common topic in children’s literature, and children often have a natural curiosity about them. Knowing animal names enhances their understanding of the world and the diversity of life.
In everyday life, these words form the backbone of most conversations and written communications students encounter. For example, they’ll use time-related words to discuss their day, color words to describe objects, and emotion words to express how they feel.
In the context of Primary 2 English:
- These words appear frequently in reading materials tailored for this age group.
- They’re essential for comprehension questions and basic written assignments.
- They’re used in oral communication exercises and during class discussions.
The vocabulary listed is crucial because it covers various everyday topics and situations. It provides students with a foundational language toolkit, allowing them to describe, question, and understand the world around them. These words are not only foundational for Primary 2 English but also pave the way for more advanced language skills in subsequent years.
Setting the Stage: How to Prepare
- Diverse Reading Material: A well-stocked bookshelf with various reading materials encourages natural vocabulary growth.
- Conducive Environment: A quiet and comfortable learning space can significantly improve concentration and retention.
- Set a Routine: Consistency in learning can be established by setting aside a specific time for vocabulary practice each day.
Additional Measures: What Can Be Done
If you find that your child is struggling despite the efforts, consider the following:
- Professional Tutoring: A tutor specializingin Primary 2 English can offer targeted support.
- Educational Apps: Many apps are designed to enhance vocabulary learning, offering interactive lessons and quizzes.
- Engage in Social Learning: Joining book clubs or study groupscan offer a platform for children to use and learn new words.
Why it Matters: The Reasons
A robust vocabulary foundation at the Primary 2 level:
- Enhances Reading Comprehension: A broader vocabulary means better understanding of texts.
- Boosts Writing Skills: A rich word bank allows for varied and expressive writing.
- Facilitates Communication: Clear and effective communication is rooted in a strong vocabulary.
- Builds Confidence: Children who are confident in their language skills are more likely to participate in discussions and express their ideas.
Helpful Resources:
For additional guidance and tools, consider the following international websites:
- Oxford Learning’s Vocabulary Activities
- Cambridge English’s Activities for Children
- BBC Learning English for Kids
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the Primary 2 level so critical for vocabulary development?
The Primary 2 stage is when children are transitioning from basic reading and understanding to more complex comprehension. Building a strong vocabulary at this phase ensures they are well-equipped to tackle advanced texts and communicate effectively in the coming years.
2. How can I make vocabulary learning fun for my child?
Introduce them to engaging word games, like Scrabble or Boggle. Encourage reading by picking out books of interest to them. Active discussions, storytelling sessions, and even fun quizzes can also make the learning process enjoyable.
3. Are there any tools or apps to help my child learn vocabulary for Primary 2 English?
Yes, several educational apps focus on vocabulary enhancement. Websites like Oxford Learning and Cambridge English offer activities and resources tailored for children. Additionally, apps available on various app stores, designed specifically for vocabulary building, can be beneficial.
4. How often should my child practice or engage with new vocabulary words?
Daily practice is ideal. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, consistent exposure and use of new words will aid retention and mastery.
5. I’m worried about overwhelming my child. How can I ensure a balanced approach to vocabulary learning?
It’s essential to strike a balance between structured learning and relaxation. Alongside dedicated vocabulary sessions, ensure there’s time for free reading, games, and other activities. It’s about making learning a part of their daily life without making it feel like a chore.
6. How can I gauge my child’s progress in vocabulary development?
Regular quizzes, discussions, and observing their reading and writing can give insights into their vocabulary growth. If they are using new words in conversations and writings and can understand diverse texts, they are on the right track.
7. Why is it important for my child to learn vocabulary words in context?
Learning vocabulary in context ensures that the word’s meaning is understood more deeply and can be recalled easily. It promotes a more natural use of language and reduces the reliance on rote memorization.
8. Are there any international platforms where I can find additional resources?
Certainly! Websites like Oxford Learning, Cambridge English, and BBC Learning English for Kids offer a plethora of resources and activities tailored for children.
By integrating the information from this article and FAQs into your child’s learning routine, you’re setting them up for success in mastering Primary 2 English vocabulary.
Summary:
The article discusses the significance of vocabulary development for students at the Primary 2 level. Recognizing vocabulary as a cornerstone for English proficiency, the piece highlights various strategies to improve it, including the use of word games, diverse reading materials, and active discussions. Parents are encouraged to harness contextual learning, visual aids, and repetition to effectively teach vocabulary words.
Preparation entails creating a conducive learning environment and maintaining a consistent routine. If challenges arise, solutions such as professional tutoring and educational apps are recommended. The article underscores that mastering vocabulary during Primary 2 fosters enhanced reading comprehension, writing skills, and confident communication.
Resources from international platforms like Oxford Learning, Cambridge English, and BBC Learning English further support this learning journey. The included FAQ section provides additional insights for parents navigating vocabulary enhancement for Primary 2 English.
Some other awesome websites:
- Vocabulary.com
- Cambridge Dictionary
- Thesaurus.com
- Wikipedia.com
- Memrise
- Quizlet
- Wolfram Alpha
- Khan Academy
- Epic!
- Oxford Owl
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