Discussing and Questioning New Words
Ask and answer questions about unknown words in texts; discuss word meanings and link new vocabulary to words already known
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Teaching Table · Reviewed guide
Set out your lesson
“When a new word appears, readers can discuss what it may mean and ask questions about its use, parts, or context.”
Bring to the table
- A short age-appropriate passage
- Paper
- Pencil
Full guide and materials
- A short age-appropriate passage
- Paper
- Pencil
- Step 1. Read the sentence around the first word.
- Step 2. Say a possible meaning and point to the context clue.
- Step 3. Ask one useful question, such as whether a word is positive, formal, or related to a known word.
- Step 4. Check a reliable definition and revise the meaning in your own words.
- Quick check. Use a new word in context. Success means your child asks a relevant question and proposes or verifies a reasonable meaning.
Worked example. In “The trail was treacherous after the ice,” the danger clue suggests treacherous means unsafe. Ask, “Can a plan also be treacherous?”
Optional challenge. Use the word accurately in a new sentence with a different context.
What to notice. Save a photo of one completed word card, or a short note recording the word, question, and revised meaning.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
When a new word appears, readers can discuss what it may mean and ask questions about its use, parts, or context.
Choose three unfamiliar or interesting words from a short passage and make a question-and-meaning card for each.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Ask 'What does ___ mean?' when meeting unfamiliar words during reading
- Use context and pictures to work out what a new word might mean
- Explain a new word by connecting it to a known word (e.g. 'enormous means really really big')
“When your child comes across a word they don't know in a book, do they try to figure out what it means from the other words around it and connect it to words they already know?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Language
- Subject
- English
- Domain
- Vocabulary
- Age range
- Ages 5–11
Standards