Kindergarten Vocabulary Words: 97 Easy Early Learning Words for New Readers

Kindergarten is where vocabulary starts to bloom. At this level, kids need words that reflect their daily lives—what they see, feel, and do. The right vocabulary helps them build confidence in reading, speaking, and learning. Here are 97 vocab words for kindergartners.

Family & Friends Words for Kindergarten Students

Words to help kindergartners name the people around them.

• mom

• dad

• brother

• sister

• grandma

• grandpa

• baby

• family

School Words for Kindergarten Students

Common classroom and school environment vocabulary.

• pencil

• crayon

• glue

• paper

• desk

• chair

• backpack

• class

  
  

Feeling Words for Kindergarten Students

Basic emotional vocabulary to help kids express themselves.

• mad

• scared

• excited

• tired

• proud

• silly

• kind

• shy

Action Words (Verbs) for Kindergarten Students

Everyday action words that are simple and fun to act out.

• hop

• eat

• sleep

• sing

• play

• talk

• draw

Body Words for Kindergartners

Body parts kindergartners often refer to and recognize easily.

• head

• arms

• legs

• feet

• hands

• fingers

• toes

• eyes

• ears

• nose

Color Words for Kindergartners

Colors that help describe the world around them.

• yellow

• green

• orange

• purple

• pink

• brown

• black

• white

Number Vocab Words for Kindergartners

• six

• seven

• eight

• nine

• ten

Animal Vocab Words for Kindergartners

Cute and common animals that kindergartners recognize easily.

• fish

• bird

• cow

• pig

• duck

• horse

• sheep

• frog

Food Words for Kindergartners

Simple foods that are fun to say and likely in lunchboxes.

• banana

• milk

• bread

• water

• cheese

• cookie

• juice

• egg

• sandwich

Weather & Seasons Vocabulary Words for Kindergarten

Words to help describe what they see outside.

• snow

• wind

• cloud

• hot

• cold

• storm

Home Vocab Words for Kindergarten

Objects around the home that kids interact with daily.

• bed

• table

• door

• window

• couch

• kitchen

• bathroom

• floor

• wall

• rug

Fun & Curious Vocabulary Words for Kindergarten

Silly, fun-to-say words that delight kindergartners.

• giggle

• zoom

• splash

• yawn

• pop

• roar

• beep

• boom

• tickle

• wiggle

Teaching Tips for Kindergarten Vocabulary

• Make It Visual: Use pictures or gestures when introducing new words.

• Sing It: Songs and chants help with memory and rhythm.

• Make It Personal: Connect words to real-life routines like bedtime, meals, and play.

• Play Games: Try matching, charades, or I-spy for a fun twist on practice.

• Repeat Often: Kids need lots of exposure to use words with confidence.

By using fun, meaningful vocabulary with your kindergartners, you’re giving them the tools to grow as learners and communicators. Whether it’s naming a frog, describing the weather, or talking about feelings, these words open the door to new conversations every day.