ESSEX — Schoolchildren are marching to the drumbeat of their favorite newly learned words at Essex Elementary.
The first “Vocabulary Parade,” part of an initiative planned to strengthen the children’s vocabulary skills, was recently held at the school.
The children created signs and posters displaying words such as “vibrant,” “dexterity,” “inconspicuous,” and “staff” then paraded through the hallways of the school while staff members participated.
The pupils selected words that connected to their ongoing studies, according to Principal Sheila McAdams and Manchester Essex Regional School District Superintendent Pamela Beaudoin.
Grade 1 teacher Emily Dwyer, said the effort inspires reading skills and comprehension.
“My hope is that this, along with the many other fun and encouraging activities that happen all over our school, will encourage a curiosity about words in our students that will stay with them on their lifelong learning adventure,” Dwyer said.
During the initiative, kindergartners chose words related to emotions, connecting with the grade-level emphasis on social-emotional learning. First- and second-graders chose adjectives and more descriptive nouns. Third-graders selected prefixes, suffixes and root words, while fourth-graders chose words with multiple meanings.
Fifth-graders selected words using Greek and Latin roots.
The Vocabulary Parade initiative emphasizes the building of word meanings, through the use of prefixes, suffixes and the fluid use of a variety of words.
Reading specialist Caitlin Featherstone said building word awareness, growing a vocabulary and encouraging a curiosity about words deepens children’s reading skills.
“Oral vocabulary is a great predictor of reading comprehension,” she said. “Projects like the Vocabulary Parade lay the groundwork for strong readers.”
The concept of the Vocabulary Parade was inspired by author Debra Fraiser’s book “Miss Alaineus, A Vocabulary Disaster,” which has sparked parades across the country.
The parade at Essex Elementary follows a community read of Peter Reynolds’ “The Word Collector.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.