Literacy Matters

Here at SJPC we recognise the value of having a rich VOCABULARY, whether it be listening, speaking, reading or writing vocabulary.

Vocabulary is key to reading comprehension. Readers cannot understand what they are reading without knowing what most of the words mean. As children learn to read more advanced texts, they must learn the meaning of new words that are not part of their oral vocabulary.

SJPC Teachers have been satisfying their thirst for new words through the introduction of WORD OF THE DAY. We will also be introducing WORD OF THE WEEK to share with students beginning Week 3 and we wish to share this with parents so that we can all enjoy, consolidate and make a big deal out of learning new words. The learning of new vocabulary is something to be praised and celebrated.

Vocabulary is classified into three tiers. (see image) Most of our focus words will be Tier 2 words. There are approximately 7,000 words in Tier 2. These words include words that are used frequently over multiple contexts, words that contain multiple meanings (e.g. spring) and an increased number of descriptive vocabulary. 

WORD OF THE WEEK

WEEK 3: ARDUOUS adjective

DEFINITION: Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

SENTENCE: They began the arduous trek up the mountain.

ORIGIN: from Latin arduus ‘steep, difficult’ 

Week 4: AMICABLE adjective

DEFINITION: characterized by friendliness and absence of discord; peaceable; friendliness or benevolence between two or more people or groups.

SENTENCE: The two nations reached an amicable agreement.

Their relationship hasn’t always been amicable.

ORIGIN: Latin amicus ‘friend’.