Kindergarten Vocabulary Words: 97 Unique 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.

Family & Friends Words

Words to help kindergartners name the people around them.

• mom

• dad

• brother

• sister

• grandma

• grandpa

• baby

• family

School Words

Common classroom and school environment vocabulary.

• pencil

• crayon

• glue

• paper

• desk

• chair

• backpack

• class

  
  

Feeling Words

Basic emotional vocabulary to help kids express themselves.

• mad

• scared

• excited

• tired

• proud

• silly

• kind

• shy

Action Words (Verbs)

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

• hop

• eat

• sleep

• sing

• play

• talk

• draw

Body Words

Body parts kids often refer to and recognize easily.

• head

• arms

• legs

• feet

• hands

• fingers

• toes

• eyes

• ears

• nose

Color Words

Colors that help describe the world around them.

• yellow

• green

• orange

• purple

• pink

• brown

• black

• white

Number Words

• six

• seven

• eight

• nine

• ten

Animal Words

Cute and common animals that kids recognize easily.

• fish

• bird

• cow

• pig

• duck

• horse

• sheep

• frog

Food Words

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

• banana

• milk

• bread

• water

• cheese

• cookie

• juice

• egg

• sandwich

Weather & Seasons Words

Words to help describe what they see outside.

• snow

• wind

• cloud

• hot

• cold

• storm

Home Words

Objects around the home that kids interact with daily.

• bed

• table

• door

• window

• couch

• kitchen

• bathroom

• floor

• wall

• rug

Fun & Curious Words

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.