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99 Essential Words for Kids to Learn_ A Guide to Building Strong Vocabulary Skills

Written by Tarishi Shrivastava | Aug 1, 2025 11:30:00 AM

Introduction

Learning new words is like opening the door to better thinking, speaking, and understanding. For kids, vocabulary is more than just memorising definitions – it’s a tool to express feelings, ask questions, build confidence, and perform better in school and life. Whether they’re reading a bedtime story, describing their da,y or solving a classroom task, the right words help them connect with the world more clearly and confidently.

Strong vocabulary also enhances reading comprehension, allowing kids to read more fluently and understand what they’re reading. This makes learning across subjects smoother and more fun. A rich vocabulary supports better storytelling, sharpens memory, and enhances social skills by encouraging clear communication with peers, teachers, and family members.

Introducing new words early and in fun and practical ways helps build a strong language foundation. From basic action words to everyday nouns and descriptive adjectives, the right mix of words teaches kids how to describe, imagine, and reason. It’s important to keep word learning light and fun so kids feel excited, not overwhelmed by new language.

This book features 99 words every child should get to know. These words are age-appropriate, easy to use, and chosen to build vocabulary in meaningful ways that grow with them.

99 Words for Kids to Learn And Building Strong Vocabulary Skills

Building a strong vocabulary is one of the most powerful tools you can give your child. Words not only help kids express themselves clearly but also boost reading, writing, and thinking skills. Here are 99 carefully chosen words that help your child grow into a confident speaker and thoughtful communicator.

  1. Happy
  2. Sad
  3. Brave
  4. Share
  5. Help
  6. Kind
  7. Smart
  8. Fast
  9. Slow
  10. Big
  11. Small
  12. Loud
  13. Quiet
  14. Hot
  15. Cold
  16. Clean
  17. Dirty
  18. Soft
  19. Hard
  20. Light
  21. Dark
  22. Up
  23. Down
  24. In
  25. Out
  26. Over
  27. Under
  28. Around
  29. Near
  30. Far
  31. Open
  32. Close
  33. Stop
  34. Go
  35. Jump
  36. Run
  37. Walk
  38. Sit
  39. Stand
  40. Eat
  41. Drink
  42. Sleep
  43. Wake
  44. Read
  45. Write
  46. Draw
  47. Count
  48. Think
  49. Learn
  50. Listen
  51. Talk
  52. Laugh
  53. Cry
  54. Love
  55. Care
  56. Play
  57. Work
  58. Build
  59. Break
  60. Fix
  61. Sing
  62. Dance
  63. Watch
  64. Touch
  65. Feel
  66. Taste
  67. Smell
  68. Hear
  69. Ride
  70. Drive
  71. Fly
  72. Catch
  73. Throw
  74. Push
  75. Pull
  76. Wash
  77. Brush
  78. Cook
  79. Bake
  80. Buy
  81. Sell
  82. Open
  83. Close
  84. Begin
  85. End
  86. Win
  87. Lose
  88. Remember
  89. Forget
  90. Smile
  91. Frown
  92. Give
  93. Take
  94. Thank
  95. Sorry
  96. Please
  97. Yes
  98. No
  99. Maybe

A Guide to Building Strong Vocabulary Skills in Kids

Read Together Every Day

Reading aloud is one of the most effective and powerful ways to boost vocabulary. When you read to your child, they hear new words in context, which makes it easier for them to understand and remember. Choose storybooks with colorful pictures and strong storylines. As you read, pause to explain a tricky word or ask your child what they think it means.

Talk About Everything

Words are everywhere, on a walk, in the kitchen, during a car ride, or while shopping. Talk to your child about what you see, hear, or do. Use real words, not simplified ones, and gently explain meanings. For example, instead of saying “Look at the big bird,” say “Look at that enormous peacock with bright feathers.” Talking in full sentences and using descriptive language helps your child absorb more words and learn how to use them properly.

Use Word Games and Play

Turn learning into play with simple games like “I Spy,” rhyming words, or making up silly stories using new vocabulary. Board games like Scrabble Junior or Boggle help kids recognize words and build spelling skills. Even everyday games like naming fruits, animals, or colors can introduce and reinforce new words.

Introduce a Word of the Day

Pick one interesting word each day and explore it together. Write it on a sticky note, draw it, say it in a sentence, and look for it in books or around you. For example, if the word is “bumpy,” you could say, “This road is bumpy like the word of the day!” Repetition and real-life examples help children build a deep connection to each word.

Encourage Questions and Curiosity

Create a home where asking questions is welcomed. If your child hears a new word, let them feel comfortable asking what it means. Don’t rush the answer—take a moment to explain it or explore it together in a book or on paper. Children who are encouraged to ask and discover grow into better readers and thinkers.

Connect Words to Experiences

Help your child connect words to things they do or feel. If you bake cookies together, introduce words like “whisk,” “measure,” or “sprinkle.” During a rainy day, talk about “puddle,” “drizzle,” or “umbrella.” Linking vocabulary to real-life situations creates stronger memory anchors.

Celebrate and Reinforce

Whenever your child uses a new word correctly—whether in conversation, writing, or while reading—celebrate it! Say things like, “I love how you used that new word,” or “That’s such a great sentence!” Encouragement builds confidence and helps kids feel proud of their language growth.

Conclusion

By turning vocabulary learning into a daily part of your child’s life, through play, conversation, and praise, you’re giving them tools that support success in school and beyond. Each new word is a step toward becoming a better communicator, a more curious learner, and a confident speaker. Keep the journey light, positive, and filled with discovery.