Defining Words
Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., 'a duck is a bird that swims'), making real-life connections between words and their use
Suggested ages 6–9
Learning journey
Your child is learning how words are built and connected — discovering how root words change with different endings (like look/looks/looked) and learning to define words by describing what category they belong to and their key features.
Evidence of understanding
- Define 'tiger' as 'a large cat with stripes' — naming category and key attribute
- Connect the word 'cozy' to real-life examples: places at home that feel cozy
- Sort words into categories and explain why each word belongs
Assessment prompt
Can Defining Words explain what a word means by saying what type of thing it is and what makes it special — for example, "a penguin is a bird that can't fly but is great at swimming"?
Standards alignment
L.1.5a
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
L.1.5b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
L.1.5c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 1
L.3.4d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 3
Discuss word meanings
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 1
Use dictionaries
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2