BCSC Vocabulary Lists by Grade Level
High Frequency/Sight Words, Prefix, Suffix and Root Words, Word Families,
Vowel Patterns, Homophones, and Contractions
As discussed at the beginning of the school year, the research-based vocabulary lists are
ready to be reviewed. The lists have been developed to increase consistency in instruction,
and to ensure student exposure to words continue to build vertically. The apparent need for
these lists came about as work continued on the Core Curriculum Map last year. The lists are
not all-inclusive, but represent the most commonly used words and word parts. Any others
you find relevant for your class are always acceptable.
Expectations for 2010-2011:

Students will successfully read all grade level high-frequency/sight words by the end
of the school year

Teachers incorporate prefix, suffix, roots, vowel families, vowel patterns, homophones
and contractions into their “Working with Words” study so students can read and
understand the use and differences of these word parts (Note: primary grades focus
more on vowel families and vowel patterns, where as the focus of intermediate grades
is on the study of prefix, suffix, and root words)
To Do:
1. Review grade level lists
2. Determine whether the words are suitable and appropriate for the grade level
3. Document words needing added and/or removed to the lists using the “Vocabulary
Word List Suggestion/Deletion” form
4. Discuss results with your grade level to reach building consensus
5. Grade level results: “Vocabulary Word List Suggestion/Deletion” form; is sent to
building principals by Spring Break, March 12. Principals will forward results to Ruth
Shipman and Cheryl Hodapp at Richards who will compile.
6. Corporation Consensus will occur in April by representatives from each school
7. Word lists will be included in the Core Curriculum Maps for the start of 2010-2011
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Sources:
Extensive research went into developing these lists which cover many resources.
The following list includes the main sources reviewed and cross-referenced.
BCSC classroom teacher committee
Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Treasures series
 Begins study of Greek/Latin roots in grade 5
The Reading Teacher’s Book of Lists by Fry, Kress & Fountoukidis
 Most common words in English ranked in frequency order. The first 25 make up about a
third of all printed material. The first 100 make up about half of all written material,
and the first 300 make up about 65 percent of all written material.
 Edward Fry developed lists in 1980 (Instant Words) – grouped by 100’s from most
frequently used, first 100 make up 50% of written material, first 300 make up 65% of
all written material
 38 most common phonograms spell 654 one syllable words by adding consonants to the
beginning of phonogram
Edward Dolch
 Developed list of 220 words in 1936, which account for over 50% of words found in
textbooks today
American Heritage
 150 words most children should have mastered by grade 3
Horn (100 words), White, Power & White, Wylie & Durrell
Four Blocks and Nifty Thrifty Fifty by Cunningham, Hall, & Sigmon, Richard Allington
 Words include examples of all common prefixes, suffixes and common spelling changes
 37 common spelling sound patterns help students read and spell more than 500
commonly used words
100 High-Frequency Words for Older Students by G. E. Thompkins, Pearson Allyn Bacon
Prentice Hall
Guiding Readers & Writers by Fountas and Pinnell
Early Steps by Carol Santa
Words Their Way by Donald Bear
 Common word patterns: CVC, CVCe, CVVC, CVV
 Less common word patterns: diagraphs, dipthongs, r-influenced vowels, l-influenced
vowels
Teaching Phonics & Word Study by Wiley Blevins
 Teach common roots in grades 4-8
Greek & Latin Roots by Rasinski, Padak, R. Newton, and E. Newton
 90% of English words with more than one syllable are Latin based; remaining 10% are
Greek based
The Vocabulary Book by Michael Graves
Building Background Knowledge by Robert Marzano
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Vocabulary Word List Suggestion/Deletion Form
School:____________________
Grade: ____________
Please consider the additions/deletions as agreed upon by grade level consensus.
Word / Word Part
Title of Wordlist
Add/Delete Reason
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