LA 1.04Classified Cards (Vocabulary Cards)
Sets of picture cards grouped by category that extend vocabulary beyond objects available in the room.
Presentation
- 1
Bring the box and a mat to the table. Name the category: "These are fruits."
- 2
Lay out the first three cards in a row.
- 3
If you have a matching object, place it next to its card first so the child connects object and picture.
- 4
Period 1: point to each card and name it: "This is a pear." Repeat for all three.
- 5
Period 2: "Show me the pear." "Turn over the plum." "Put the peach at the top."
- 6
Period 3: point to a card and ask, "What is this?"
- 7
Add the remaining cards in groups of two or three over this and later sessions.
- 8
Invite the child to lay out and name the whole set independently, then return the cards to the box.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Matching identical picture cards (two copies of each card)
- Matching picture cards to small replica objects
- Sorting mixed cards from two categories into groups
- Describing each picture with one detail ("The pear is green.")
Control of error
The adult during naming. For matching extensions, identical pictures or replica objects provide the control.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names every card in a set without help
- Sorts cards from two categories correctly
- Uses category words ("animals," "vegetables") when talking
Guide note
Use real photographs or realistic drawings, not cartoons. Rotate sets to match the Cultural area and seasonal topics.