Free Vocabulary Kit for your Classroom! - post

Child care professionals: claim a free Stop, Read, Go Vocabulary Kit after completing short, practical ChildCareEd trainings such as Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy Buy Now $16.00$11.00 and Building Vocabulary Buy Now $16.00. These courses focus on intentional vocabulary instruction, interactive read-aloud techniques, and embedding language learning across daily routines so the kit can be used immediately in whole-group and small-group activities. Below we answer the most common implementation questions and link to targeted ChildCareEd resources you can use right away. #literacy #vocabulary #emergent #learning #play

How can I use the Stop, Read, Go Vocabulary Kit in whole-group instruction?

The Vocabulary Kit is designed for rapid integration into large-group routines. Use it at circle time or during an interactive read-aloud to introduce a small set of 6–8 target words for the week. Begin with a brief contextualized introduction: show the picture card, say the word, use it in an oral sentence, and invite children to repeat. Follow with a teacher-led gesture, a shared movement, or a simple choral response to reinforce meaning and phonological form.

For uptake, connect each target word to an anchor text or shared experience. During read-alouds, pause to model how the word fits the story context and invite children to point to or act out the card that matches the meaning. Rotate the kit’s cards through classroom interest centers—place a small set in the block area with a related prompt or at the sensory table with sensory material that illustrates the word’s properties. These classroom placements help children encounter words in multiple modalities and contexts, which research and practice both show is essential for robust vocabulary learning.

See examples of classroom activities and adaptations in our related articles: Creating Engaging Activities to Promote Literacy Skills and What Simple Early Literacy Activities Really Help Children Learn?

How can I use the kit in small-group or individualized instruction?

Small groups are where deep vocabulary work happens. Use the kit for targeted instruction in groups of 3–6 children: introduce 2–3 words per session, and include quick games that prompt production (e.g., matching, sorting by attribute, or role-play). Use pictorial prompts and open-ended questions that require children to use the target word in a meaningful sentence rather than simply labeling the picture.

Embed formative checks: after a short activity, ask children to explain the word to a peer, draw something that shows the word, or point to the matching sample in a tactile tray. Repeat target words across three consecutive small-group sessions and vary the context (sensory, dramatic play, drawing) to support retention. For children who need additional scaffolds, pair the kit with the strategies in our article on play-based literacy: How can child care providers build early literacy skills through play? and the guidance on name recognition and letter awareness: How can child care providers support name recognition and letter awareness effectively?

Which ChildCareEd courses and classroom resources should I use alongside the kit?

Several short courses will strengthen your implementation plans. Consider the self-paced modules Reading Aloud and Storytelling Buy Now $16.00 (techniques for interactive read-alouds and dialogic questioning), Language Development in Early Childhood Buy Now $16.00 (language milestones and scaffolding strategies), and Supporting Families and Caregivers in Language and Literacy Buy Now $16.00$11.00 (home–school coordination to extend vocabulary learning). These courses explain instructional moves you can pair with the kit and provide practical classroom examples.

Pair course content with classroom materials from the kit and other ChildCareEd articles—use our recommendations on emergent curriculum and classroom design to create meaningful learning environments: Can we build early literacy skills through play in high-quality child care? and Spark Their Love for Learning: Tips for Exciting Young Minds in the Classroom!

How do I claim the free kit and what are common eligibility or logistical questions?

Eligibility is tied to completion of qualifying ChildCareEd trainings and the promotional availability of kits. Follow the registration instructions on the course enrollment page for Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy Buy Now $16.00$11.00. Supply is limited; programs should register promptly. If you represent a center or family child care home, check your program email and the course completion certificate for the kit-claim link and submission steps. Keep documentation of course completion and your program contact information handy for fulfillment.

If you have questions about shipping, multiple classrooms, or replacement materials, contact ChildCareEd customer support via the main site. For ideas about adapting the kit for bilingual learners or inclusive settings, consult our article on language development sensitive periods: Understanding the Sensitive Period for Language.

How can I adapt the kit for bilingual learners and inclusive settings?

Label cards in both languages and invite families to supply home-language words and photos so vocabulary reflects children’s lived experience. Use visuals, gestures, and real objects together with short, consistent sentence frames to create shared meaning. Present cognates when possible and add tactile symbols or simple AAC supports for children who use alternative communication. Track receptive and expressive use of target words and share a brief home activity with families to reinforce vocabulary across contexts. Coordinate with therapists or specialists when individualized communication goals exist.

What should I remember about using the Vocabulary Kit?

Key takeaways: integrate the kit across whole-group and small-group routines; plan repeated exposures across varied contexts; combine pictorial, gestural, and semantic supports; use short, targeted course modules to sharpen instructional moves; and partner with families to extend words into the home environment. For quick classroom-ready activities, see What Simple Early Literacy Activities Really Help Children Learn? and for longer-term curriculum alignment, consult our piece on emergent learning and development.

What are the summary and next steps?

Summary: The Stop, Read, Go Vocabulary Kit is most effective when it complements intentional instruction: combine targeted whole-group introductions, focused small-group practice, and consistent home–school communication. Complete relevant ChildCareEd trainings and use the practical activities above to get measurable, classroom-ready results.

ChildCareEd and Stop, Read, Go are excited to support #literacy! 

STOP READ GO is an early literacy company, created with little children in mind. This site focuses on introducing the World of Reading to babies, toddlers (1-3), and preschoolers (3-5) in a way that is more tangible, meaningful, and intuitive.

As part of ChildCareEd’s affiliation with Stop, Read, Go, upon successful completion of our training course Classroom Tools for Emergent Literacy Buy Now $16.00$11.00, learners are eligible to receive a free Stop, Read, Go Vocabulary Kit to begin supporting children’s literacy development in the classroom. 

Language and literacy development are essential components of high-quality early childhood education. Children who are able to build emergent literacy skills become better readers and writers as they become older. Early childhood educators who incorporate effective literacy activities in their classrooms, help children build the foundation for successful literacy development.