ESL Vocabulary for Mothers

It's important for teachers to have a list of ESL vocabulary for mothers handy.

In my classes with babies, the mothers are present, but even if you don't have the mothers in the classroom with you, it's helpful to be able to give mothers a list of words that they can use to practice with their babies at home. Babies love to be able to say the words of the things around them even in their native language. If mothers know how to say these words in English as well, then they can help improve their baby's English.

I've compiled this list of word that I feel are important for mothers to know. I've started with the most basic words and then moved on to words that are used a bit more infrequently, but are still important to know. I've also organized them into different categories to make them a bit more manageable and easier for you to teach.

ESL Vocabulary for Mothers

  • Numbers/Counting. Mothers should know how to count to 10. It's even better if they can count to 20 or higher.
  • Colors. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, White, Black, Brown.
  • Shapes. Circle, Square, Rectangle, Triangle, Oval, Diamond, Star, Heart.
  • Feelings. Happy, Sad, Sleepy, Angry, Excited.
  • Clothes. Shirt, Pants, Skirt, Dress, Socks, Shoes, Jacket, Hat.
  • Fruit.Apple, Banana, Orange, Pineapple, Strawberry, Grapes, Peach. (And any other fruits that are common to the area that they live in.)
  • Vegetables. Tomato, Potato, Lettuce, Broccoli, Cucumber. (And any other vegetables that are common to the area that they live in.)
  • Verbs. Run, Walk, Jump, Dance, Sing, Hug, Kiss, Sleep, Eat, Brush (your teeth), Wash (your hands).
  • Vehicles Car, Train, Bus, Airplane, Helicopter, Bicycle.
  • Everyday Objects. Book, Box, Spoon, Fork, Knife, Plate, Bowl, Cup, House, Balloon, Toys, Baby.

Love,
Shannon Sensei

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