Building vocabulary words is necessary for mastering reading and writing skills, building vocabulary] is far more than memorizing words.

It is also the process of learning to use those words correctly in written and verbal forms. Proper sentence construction, appropriate use of tenses, and punctuation are all important components of teaching writing. When students are taught vocabulary] and the writing process they begin to understand writing as a form of communication. This helps students recognize that they have opinions, ideas, and thoughts that are worth sharing with the world, and writing is an effective way of getting them out there!

As students build their vocabulary and writing skills they learn that there are several forms of writing techniques to convey thoughts. These forms include descriptive writing, persuasive writing, informative writing, narrative writing, and creative or fiction writing.

The four steps of the writing process are:

1. PreWriting

• Students gather their information.
• Students begin to organize it into a cohesive unit.
• Process can include reading, taking notes, brainstorming, and categorizing information.
• Stream of consciousness writing, graphic organizers, outlines, or note cards are popular techniques.
  

2. Writing

• Student transfers the information they have gathered and organized into a traditional format.
• The writing can be simple paragraph, a one-page essay, or a multi-page report.
• This stage allows the student to settle on the course the paper will take.
  

3. Revising

• Editing is usually the least favorite stage of the writing process.
• A complete critiquing of the writing to improve grammar, improve thought process and convey ideas..
• Can include adding, deleting, rearranging and substituting words, sentences, and even entire paragraphs.
• Usually not a one-time event, but a continual process as the paper progresses.

4. Proofreading

• Students can scan the paper for mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• One of the best times for teachers to take the opportunity to teach some of the standard rules of grammar and punctuation.
  

Time4Learning includes tools to make learning writing fun and engaging for the youngest writers. In the kindergarten curriculum, students use the Writer’s Corner software to backgrounds (settings), characters, and objects from the stories and activities in the chapter and use them to build their own stories. They can even print out the stories they have created!

We recommend that you take time to sign up and try Time4Learning's Story Creator Demo.

Vocabulary lessons can help build and strengthen these writing skills and are needed to help build a strong foundation for reading. Children first learn vocabulary by listening to parents and home surroundings. An infant learns the first words such as "momma" by repetition of a parent. This continues as the child develops in to a young student. Vocabulary games at home can be a very important part of teaching the child. These games can build vocabulary and phonemic awareness. These vocabulary games can be a fun way for children to learn.