How to learn Primary 2 Vocabulary List Effectively for Grade AL1?
A Comprehensive 10-Month Vocabulary Building Plan for Primary 2 English Students Using Edukate Singapore’s Top 100 Vocabulary List and The Fencing Method
Introduction
For Primary 2 students, learning vocabulary is about more than just memorizing words—it’s about developing foundational language skills that will support reading, writing, and communication. This 10-month plan provides a step-by-step approach to introduce new vocabulary in a structured, enjoyable way, using Edukate Singapore’s Top 100 Vocabulary List and the innovative Fencing Method. By understanding concepts like the S-curve and Metcalfe’s Law, educators and parents can better support young learners in building vocabulary confidently and effectively.
Understanding The Fencing Method by Edukate
For young learners, Edukate’s Fencing Method makes vocabulary learning more engaging and manageable by focusing on gradual, consistent learning.
- Small Steps with Big Impact: Like fencing, vocabulary learning for Primary 2 students involves small, intentional “moves.” Rather than overwhelming children with too many words at once, introduce new vocabulary in small batches.
- Playful Practice: The Fencing Method encourages fun, interactive activities like games, storytelling, and role-playing to reinforce words, making learning memorable.
- Consistent Review: Just as fencing requires regular practice to build skills, vocabulary should be reviewed consistently to strengthen language foundations.
The Fencing Method helps young students learn new words strategically, making vocabulary-building fun and sustainable.
January: Laying the Foundation
- Introduction to Vocabulary and the Fencing Method
- Begin by introducing Edukate Singapore’s Primary 2 vocabulary list and explain that the goal is to learn a few new words each week.
- Use colorful flashcards to introduce the first five words, incorporating simple definitions, pictures, and sentences.
- Build Familiarity with the Fencing Method
- Explain to your child that they will learn words like a “word explorer,” discovering new words a little at a time.
- Set small goals each week to learn new words and “fence” or review words they already know.
February: Building a Routine
- Interactive Word Games
- Introduce five new words each week and review previous ones.
- Play simple vocabulary games like “I Spy” using the new words, or “Matching Words to Pictures” to keep it fun and engaging.
- Use Words in Daily Life
- Encourage your child to use new vocabulary in everyday conversations.
- Try pointing out objects in the house and describing them with new words, such as “fluffy pillow” or “shiny table.”
March: Engaging with Stories and Context
- Storytime with Vocabulary Words
- Read simple stories or picture books that include new vocabulary words.
- Pause and ask questions to help your child understand how each word fits into the story.
- Simple Writing Exercises
- Encourage your child to draw and describe pictures using their vocabulary words.
- For example, if they learn “bright,” they can draw a “bright sun” and practice saying and writing a sentence about it.
April: Reinforcing Words through Play
- Creative Activities for Retention
- Use art activities like creating a “word poster” where your child can illustrate words with drawings.
- Make vocabulary learning playful with role-play activities or “pretend play” scenes, where they can act out words like “run,” “jump,” or “giggle.”
- Fencing Method Focus: Review and Reinforce
- Spend time reviewing earlier vocabulary to strengthen understanding and encourage recalling these words in conversations.
May: Mid-Point Review with Fun Assessments
- Mini Vocabulary Quiz
- Use a mini “word quiz” to assess what your child has learned so far.
- Focus on words they find challenging and create a game around these words, such as a word scavenger hunt.
- Introduction to the S-Curve
- Explain in a simple way that learning can sometimes feel slow but gets easier and faster over time with practice.
- Use this idea to motivate your child by showing them how much progress they’ve made since January.
June: Steady Progress and New Words
- Using Visual and Audio Aids
- Watch short educational videos or children’s shows with captions, helping your child notice new vocabulary.
- Make a habit of stopping to talk about any new words and relate them to familiar concepts.
- Holiday Reinforcement
- During school breaks, try vocabulary apps designed for children to keep learning lighthearted.
- Do daily 10-minute vocabulary “bursts” with a focus on playing word games, drawing, and storytelling.
July: Making Connections with Words
- Introducing the Concept of Connections (Metcalfe’s Law)
- In simple terms, explain to your child that the more words they know, the easier it becomes to learn new words.
- Show connections between words by grouping similar words, like “happy,” “joyful,” and “cheerful.”
- Read and Relate
- Read short stories that feature vocabulary words and ask your child how these words make the story more interesting.
- Encourage them to make up their own stories using some of their vocabulary words.
August: Strengthening Weak Areas
- Focus on Challenging Words
- Identify words your child finds difficult and reinforce these through repetition and storytelling.
- Create silly rhymes or songs to help remember tricky words.
- Practice with Simple Writing Tasks
- Have your child write simple sentences using the harder words, focusing on words they often forget.
- Give them prompts like “Write a sentence about a ‘brave’ or ‘curious’ animal.”
September: Reviewing and Building Confidence
- Storytelling and Role-Playing Activities
- Encourage your child to create short stories or role-play situations where they use a variety of vocabulary words.
- Let them “teach” you the words, boosting their confidence and reinforcing learning.
- Mock Mini Test
- Conduct a fun mini “test” with rewards for correct usage of words.
- Focus on having fun and encourage effort rather than perfection.
October: Final Review and Positive Reinforcement
- Positive Encouragement and Final Review
- Go over vocabulary words learned throughout the year with a mix of flashcards, drawing, and storytelling.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small, to make the experience rewarding.
- Oral Practice for PSLE Readiness
- Focus on clear pronunciation and using words in simple sentences.
- Role-play as if they’re explaining words to a friend or sibling, building their speaking confidence.
Integrating The Fencing Method, S-Curve, and Metcalfe’s Law for Educators and Parents
- Strategic Learning with The Fencing Method
- Gradual vocabulary introduction with regular reinforcement helps avoid overwhelm.
- Encourage creative and hands-on learning experiences to solidify vocabulary.
- Understanding Growth with the S-Curve
- Recognize that vocabulary learning may start slowly but accelerates with practice.
- Use this to encourage patience and a positive outlook, especially if initial learning feels challenging.
- Making Connections with Metcalfe’s Law
- Show your child how each new word connects to other words they know, making it easier to remember.
- Use word groups and themes to build connections, creating a strong vocabulary foundation.
Let’s Learn! Teaching Vocabulary with the Theme of “Accomplish” Using The Fencing Method
When teaching young students new vocabulary with the theme of “accomplish,” it’s essential to make the learning process exciting and relatable. Using Edukate’s Fencing Method, we’ll break down vocabulary into manageable parts, reinforce learning through different contexts, and keep it fun with various activities.
Words with the Theme of “Accomplish”
- Achieve
- Complete
- Succeed
- Fulfill
- Goal
Step-by-Step Guide Using The Fencing Method
Step 1: Introduce Each Word Gradually (Offensive Strategy)
Introduce each word over the span of a week, focusing on one or two words at a time. This way, the child isn’t overwhelmed and has time to absorb and practice each word.
Week 1: Introduce Achieve and Complete
- Definition: Explain that achieve means to do something successfully after working hard, and complete means to finish something.
- Context: Use the words in sentences like, “When you finish your homework, you achieve something important,” and “Did you complete the puzzle?”
- Visuals: Show a picture of a student finishing a project to represent “achieve” and a completed puzzle for “complete.”
Week 2: Introduce Succeed and Fulfill
- Definition: Explain that succeed means to do well at something, while fulfill means to do something you promised or wanted to do.
- Context: Use sentences like, “You succeeded in finishing your art project!” and “When you help others, you fulfill a promise to be kind.”
- Activities: Let students draw pictures of something they want to succeed at, like a sport or hobby, and share a way they’ve fulfilled a promise, like helping at home.
Week 3: Introduce Goal
- Definition: Explain that goal is something you aim to do, like learning five new words.
- Context: Use it in sentences, “Your goal is to learn five words about accomplish!”
- Visuals and Connection: Show a picture of a medal or trophy. Explain how setting goals is a way to work toward something you want to achieve.
Step 2: Reinforce Words (Defensive Strategy)
After each word is introduced, make sure to reinforce it throughout the month with small daily exercises.
Flashcard Games
- Make flashcards for each word with an illustration on one side and the word on the other.
- Play matching games or memory games where they match words with definitions or sentences.
Daily Conversations
- Use these words in everyday conversations. For example, if your child finishes their homework, say, “Wow, you really achieved your goal today!”
Mini Quizzes
- At the end of each week, do a quick review of the words learned so far. Ask questions like, “What does it mean to succeed?” or “Give me an example of something you want to achieve.”
Step 3: Make Connections Between Words (Using Metcalfe’s Law)
To reinforce understanding, show how each word connects to one another:
- For example, explain that a goal is something they want to achieve, and when they succeed in achieving their goal, they feel good. By completing it, they’ve fulfilled their promise to themselves.
Activity: “Web of Accomplishment”
- Draw a “web” on paper or a whiteboard, with “Accomplish” in the center and branches leading to each word (achieve, complete, succeed, fulfill, goal).
- As they learn each word, ask them to draw something in each branch that relates to their understanding of that word. This visual connection reinforces how each word fits into the theme.
Step 4: Apply Vocabulary in Real-Life Contexts
Encourage your child to use these words in different real-life situations to solidify their understanding:
- When they complete a task, celebrate with them by saying, “You achieved your goal! You’ve really succeededtoday!”
- Ask them to talk about a goal they’d like to set for the week, such as reading a book or helping around the house.
Step 5: Practice and Test Knowledge
After the month, do a quick test using the Fencing Method’s practice and review tactics:
- Flashcard Test: Show them the word and ask them to use it in a sentence.
- Role Play: Set up scenarios where they can apply these words. For example, “Pretend you’re telling me about something you completed,” or “What’s a goal you want to accomplish?”
By introducing new words gradually, reinforcing them with playful activities, and making connections between each word, The Fencing Method helps young students internalize vocabulary around the theme of “accomplish.” This systematic approach makes learning new words enjoyable and helps build a strong vocabulary foundation that supports their overall language skills.
Conclusion
Building vocabulary over 10 months using The Fencing Method ensures a steady and enjoyable learning experience for Primary 2 students. With Edukate Singapore’s Top 100 Vocabulary List as a guide, parents and educators can create an engaging vocabulary journey that fosters confidence and curiosity. By understanding concepts like the S-curve and Metcalfe’s Law, educators and parents can appreciate how vocabulary mastery grows over time, giving young learners a strong language foundation to support them throughout their education.
Additional Resources
- Edukate Singapore’s Top 100 Vocabulary List for Primary 2 Students
- Recommended reading lists for Primary 6 students
- Information on The Fencing Method
- Vocabulary Lists
Call to Action
Kickstart your child’s vocabulary journey today! Through engaging stories, games, and hands-on activities, Primary 2 students can build the language skills they need for success, one word at a time.
Footnotes
- The Fencing Method: An innovative approach by EduKate Singapore that uses the principles of fencing—strategy, precision, and practice—to guide vocabulary learning.
- S-Curve and Metcalfe’s Law: Theories adapted to understand and optimize the learning process, emphasizing growth patterns and the exponential benefits of interconnected knowledge. Click Here for more about Metcalfe’s Law. And click here for S-curve.


