How to Help Your Middle Schooler Build Academic Vocabulary at Home
Your middle schooler can hold a conversation just fine.
They have opinions, ask good questions, and read independently.
But when it comes to school-based texts—especially nonfiction or textbook-style reading—they hit a wall. 😩
Words like:
analyze
contribute
function
structure
inevitable
These “school words” slow them down, confuse them, or lead to surface-level understanding.
That’s not just vocabulary—it’s academic vocabulary. And if your child is homeschooled, they need intentional help developing it.
Let’s walk through how to build academic word knowledge at home—without memorized lists or boring worksheets. 💪
📚 What Is Academic Vocabulary?
Academic vocabulary includes the words students encounter most often in:
Textbooks
Directions and assessments
Essays and research
Science, history, and ELA content
These words are often Tier 2 words:
Words that are not part of everyday conversation, but show up frequently across subjects.
Think:
emerge, contrast, prior, infer, significant
They’re harder to pick up naturally—and without them, comprehension suffers.
🧠 Why It Matters in Middle School
Once kids reach grades 6–8, the reading shifts:
More complex sentence structures
Less narrative, more expository texts
Assumed vocabulary knowledge
If a student lacks this kind of vocabulary, they:
Struggle to understand directions
Miss the deeper meaning of texts
Fall behind in content-heavy subjects like science or history
The good news? Academic vocabulary can absolutely be taught at home. 🏡
✅ 5 Ways to Build Academic Vocabulary at Home
1. Use Words in Real Conversations
Instead of:
“What do you think will happen?”
Try:
“Can you predict what might occur next?”
“What evidence supports your idea?”
Pick 1–2 Tier 2 words a week and intentionally use them aloud.
When kids hear sophisticated vocabulary in context, it sticks.
2. Focus on Word Families, Not Individual Words
Don’t teach only the word observe. Teach its whole family:
observe (verb)
observation (noun)
observable (adjective)
unobserved (prefix + root)
This builds morphological awareness—a key skill for decoding and vocabulary growth. 🔍
You’re helping them understand how words work, not just what they mean.
3. Break Down Prefixes, Roots, and Suffixes
Teach common Greek and Latin roots like:
struct = build → structure, instruct, construct
port = carry → transport, portable, export
spect = look → inspect, spectator, respect
Make it a game:
“How many words can you think of with the root form?”
This builds vocabulary and boosts spelling and decoding. 🧠📖
4. Use Short Nonfiction Articles or Passages
Find articles (100–300 words) from:
Science News for Kids
TIME for Kids
Newsela or Smithsonian Tween
Books you’re already reading!
After reading, ask:
“What words were new to you?”
“Can you explain what structure meant in that sentence?”
This supports context-based word learning—just like in the classroom.
5. Create a Vocabulary Wall or Journal
Designate a space in your homeschool area:
A whiteboard
A bulletin board
A digital slide deck
Each week, add 3–5 new Tier 2 words:
Write the word
Give a kid-friendly definition
Use it in a sentence
Include an example from their reading or writing
Revisit it often. Encourage them to “upgrade” their writing with these words. ✍️💬
Final Thoughts
Academic vocabulary isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about understanding what you read.
In middle school, this kind of language is the bridge to success across every subject:
Reading comprehension
Writing clarity
Test performance
Confidence in new learning
By weaving academic words into your homeschool day, you’ll give your child tools that go far beyond English class.
One word at a time. 💡
