Big Words for Little Kids
Learning new words
and working on spelling and handwriting too.
Daily exercise sheets for classroom or homeschooling use
Created by
Charan Langton
Mountcastle Company
www.readinglesson.com
Big Words for Little Kids
This book contains daily exercise sheets that can be used for classroom use or at home. Only
one sheet should be done per page. The words are suitable for children in grades 4th through 7th.
They are organized along roots because this the best way learn a lot of new words quickly. The
meaning of the words in some cases has been simplified to the comprehension level of this age group.
Do not expect that the child will know these words after doing the worksheet once. This will probably be the first exposure to these words and child needs more time for these to sink in and become
part of his permanent vocabulary.
A test is given after every five sheets. Child should get at least 10 correct out of the 15 words
on each test.
Currently approximately 60 pages are included in this file. Join our mailing list and as this file
is expanded, I will let you know. Please let me know if you use these sheets and what you think of
them.
Charan Langton
[email protected]
www.readinglesson.com
3 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Words Roots
for cred
Little co, con, com
Kids graph
voc, vok
leg
auto
tract
cian
dom
peri
capt, capit
mis
cule, icle, ling
oper
uni
amphi, ambi
pop
poten, posse
flu
macro
micro
vac
photo
cycl
jug
Read this first!
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
gen
oid
non
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
4 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Incredible
unbelievable
Words
believable
for Credible
honor
Little Credit
Kids Creditor
one who loans money to another
Read this first!
Root: cred
The root word cred means to
believe. Whenever you see a
word with this root, that word
has something to do with the
concept of believing.
Creed
faith, principle of belief as in
religion
Creditable
worthy of believing, something that brings praise
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Incredible _______________________________________________
Credit ____________________________________________________
Creditor __________________________________________________
Creed _____________________________________________________
Creditable ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Credit ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Incredible _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Credible __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
5 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Connect
to join together
Words
to work together
for Cooperate
to mix together
Little Combine
Kids Collide
to crash or clash (together)
Combat
to fight or have a battle
Congregate
to get together
Combative
feisty
Read this first!
Root: con, com, co
The root words co, con or com
all mean with or together.
These root words usually
come at the beginning of a
word and nearly always mean
the same thing.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Combine _________________________________________________
Collide ___________________________________________________
Combat __________________________________________________
Congregate _______________________________________________
Cooperate ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Congregate _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Collide ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Combative _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
6 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Graph
something written or drawn
Words
black material used in pencils
for Graphite
the art of beautiful handwriting
Little Calligraphy
Kids Phonograph
a way of recording sound
Geography
study of earth and its people
Autograph
handwritten signature
Read this first!
Root: graph
The root word graph means to
write or record by some
means.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Graph____________________________________________________
Graphite _________________________________________________
Geography _______________________________________________
Autograph _______________________________________________
Calligraphy _____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Autograph _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Geography _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Calligraphy _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
7 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Vocal
related to voice
Words
collection of words
for Vocabulary
to speak or say something
Little Vocalize
Kids Evoke
to call from the past, as
Read this first!
Root: voc, vok
The root words voc, vok mean
voice. They can also mean to
call in some words.
memory
Provoke
to cause someone to express
anger
Invocation
a prayer or blessing
\ Underline the root and then, write the meaning of each word below.
Invocation _____________________________________________
Vocalize _________________________________________________
Provoke __________________________________________________
Vocabulary _____________________________________________
Evoke ____________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Vocalized ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Provoked ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Vocabulary _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
8 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Legal
lawful, according to the law
Words
gift of property left in a will
for Legacy
Little Legislate to pass a law
Kids Legitimate legal
Read this first!
Root: leg
The root word leg means legal
or related to the law.
Legislator member of the government, such as a
congressman
Illegal
not legal
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Legacy___________________________________________________
Illegal___________________________________________________
Legislate_________________________________________________
Legislator _______________________________________________
Legitimate ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word
Legal ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Illegal___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Legislator _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
9 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 1
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Creditor __________________________________________________
Illegal___________________________________________________
Legislate_________________________________________________
Autograph _______________________________________________
Credible __________________________________________________
Invocation _____________________________________________
Combative _______________________________________________
Collide ___________________________________________________
Vocalize _________________________________________________
Provoke __________________________________________________
Vocabulary _____________________________________________
Cooperate ________________________________________________
Congregate _______________________________________________
Combine _________________________________________________
Geography _______________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
10 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
self-controlled action or object
Words Automatic
for Autobiography story of one’s life
Little Autograph
handwritten signature of oneself
Kids
Autocrat
self-rule, dictator
Automobile
a vehicle that has its own
internal engine for moving
Automaton
a self-operating figure,
a robot-like man
Read this first!
Root: auto
The root word auto means
self. It also means the concept
of self control such as in word
automatic - something which
is self-controlling.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Automaton _____________________________________________
Automobile _____________________________________________
Automatic ______________________________________________
Autocrat_________________________________________________
Autograph _______________________________________________
Autobiography __________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Automatic ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Autocrat_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Autobiography __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
11 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
a farm machine that pulls or
Words Tractor
pushes things
for
something can be handled
Little Tractable
to draw towards
Kids Attract
Read this first!
Root: tract
The root word tract means to
draw or pull.
Extract
to draw out
Contract
an agreement that binds people to do
something particular
Distract
to draw away or to pull away
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Contract _________________________________________________
Extract ___________________________________________________
Distract _________________________________________________
Tractor __________________________________________________
Attract __________________________________________________
Tractable ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Extract ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Distract _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Contract _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
12 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
expert in musical arts
Words Musician
for Magician
skilled in magic
Little Pediatrician
children’s doctor
Kids
Read this first!
Root: cian
The root word cian at the end
of a word means to have a
particular skill.
Physician
another name for doctor
Politician
someone who runs for public office
Electrician
skilled in fixing electrical things
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Pediatrician _____________________________________________
Magician________________________________________________
Physician _______________________________________________
Politician ________________________________________________
Electrician _______________________________________________
Musician _______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Physician _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Politician ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Musician _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
13 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
state of being free
Words Freedom
realm of the king
for Kingdom
Little Stardom
state of being a star
Kids Boredom
state of feeling bored
Read this first!
Root: dom
The root word dom means the
state of, the quality of something, e.g. boredom is the state
of being bored.
Random
state of aimlessness, purposelessness
Wisdom
state of having knowledge
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Wisdom _________________________________________________
Boredom_________________________________________________
Kingdom ________________________________________________
Stardom ________________________________________________
Random_________________________________________________
Freedom_________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Freedom_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Wisdom _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Random_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
14 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Words Periodic something that happens at
regular intervals, such as once per day.
for
Little Perimeter the distance around an area
the point of an orbit nearest to the earth
Kids Perigee
Read this first!
Root: peri
The root word peri means
around.
Periodical magazine printed at regular intervals
Periphery the edge around the area, as in
periphery of a lake
Periodontal around the tooth
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Periodic __________________________________________________
Periphery ________________________________________________
Periodontal______________________________________________
Perigee ___________________________________________________
Perimeter ________________________________________________
Periodical ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Periodic __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Periphery ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Perigee ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
15 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Words Test 2
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids
Automaton _____________________________________________
Credible __________________________________________________
Autocrat_________________________________________________
Extract ___________________________________________________
Distract _________________________________________________
Physician _______________________________________________
Combative _______________________________________________
Collide ___________________________________________________
Musician _______________________________________________
Wisdom _________________________________________________
Periodic __________________________________________________
Periodical ________________________________________________
Congregate _______________________________________________
Periphery ________________________________________________
Geography _______________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
16 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
the head or chief
Words Captain
for Capitol
the main building where Congress
meets
Little
to cut off the head
Kids Decapitate
Capital
collection money or property
Caption
the head of a chapter in a book
Capitulate
to surrender, to give up leadership
Read this first!
Root: capt, capit
The root words capt, capit
mean the chief, head or the
leader.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Caption __________________________________________________
Captain __________________________________________________
Capitulate _______________________________________________
Decapitate _______________________________________________
Capitol ___________________________________________________
Capital___________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Capitulated ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Capital___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Caption __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
17 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
bad behavior
Words Misbehavior
for Miscast
not in a proper role
Little Mischief
action that results in damage
Kids
Read this first!
Root: mis, miso
Misgiving
having second (or bad) thoughts
Misrepresent
to create a false impression
Miscalculate
to make a mistake in calculation
The root words mis, miso
mean wrong, to hate or something bad.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Mischief _________________________________________________
Miscalculate ____________________________________________
Misgivings ______________________________________________
Miscast __________________________________________________
Misrepresent ____________________________________________
Misbehavior ____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Mischievous _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Misgivings ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Misbehaved _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
18 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
something very small, tiny
Words Minuscule
for Ridicule
small mocking laughter at someone
Little Molecule
a very small particle
Kids
Duckling
a little baby duck
Nestling
a little baby bird, still in nest
unable to fly
Sapling
a small young tree
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
Read this first!
Root: cule, icle
ling
The root words cule, icle
ling mean very small.
below.
Duckling ________________________________________________
Minuscule ______________________________________________
Sapling _________________________________________________
Molecule ________________________________________________
Nestling _________________________________________________
Ridicule__________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Ridiculed ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Sapling _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Minuscule ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
19 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
someone doing the work
Words Operator
for Cooperate
to work together
Little Operational
something in working condition
Kids
Read this first!
Root: oper
The root words oper
means to work.
Opus
a musical work
Opera
a work of drama where all dialog are sung
Operable
something that can be fixed with an operation
something that is in working condition
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Opera ____________________________________________________
Operator _________________________________________________
Operational _____________________________________________
Operable _________________________________________________
Opus _____________________________________________________
Cooperate ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Cooperated _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Operable _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Opera ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
20 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
oneness, harmony
Words Unity
for Unicorn
mythical creature with one horn
Little Union
joining of many into one
Kids
Unique
one of a kind
Universe
the whole world and all its parts
Unison
singing in one harmonious voice
Read this first!
Root: uni
The root word uni means
one.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Universe ________________________________________________
Union ___________________________________________________
Unity ___________________________________________________
Unique __________________________________________________
Unison __________________________________________________
Unicorn _________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Unity ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Unique __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Unison __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
21 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Words Test 3
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Contract _________________________________________________
Capitol ___________________________________________________
Misgiving _______________________________________________
Extract ___________________________________________________
Minuscule ______________________________________________
Nestling _________________________________________________
Combative _______________________________________________
Sapling _________________________________________________
Cooperate ________________________________________________
Unison __________________________________________________
Periodic __________________________________________________
Decapitate _______________________________________________
Unique __________________________________________________
Periphery ________________________________________________
Operable _________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
22 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
capable of living on both water and land
Words Amphibious
Root: amphi, ambi
for Ambidexter
can use both hands with equal ease
Little Amble
The root words amphi or
to walk about leisurely
ambi mean two or both. The
Kids
Ambitious
eager for achievement and honor
Ambiguous
having double meaning, unclear
Ambient
all around, such as air
root word ambi also means
about and around.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Ambiguous ______________________________________________
Amble ___________________________________________________
Amphibious _____________________________________________
Ambitious _______________________________________________
Ambient ________________________________________________
Ambidexter______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Ambidextrous ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Ambled __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Ambiguous ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
23 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
the people
Words Populace
for Population
number of people in an area
Little Popularity
being liked by people
Kids
Popularize
to make something popular
Populate
to settle people in an area
Unpopular
not liked by people
Read this first!
Root: pop
The root word pop means
people.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Populate _________________________________________________
Popularize_______________________________________________
Popularity ______________________________________________
Population ______________________________________________
Populace _________________________________________________
Unpopular ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Popularity ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Popularize_______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Populace _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
24 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
having the possibility to do something
Words Potential
powerful
for Potent
Little Impotent
not powerful, incapable
Kids Possess
to hold or own something
Omnipotent
all powerful - such as God
Posse
an armed group of people with legal
authority to catch a criminal
Read this first!
Root: poten, posse
The root words poten, posse
mean power.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Omnipotent ____________________________________________
Possess ___________________________________________________
Impotent _______________________________________________
Potential ________________________________________________
Potent ___________________________________________________
Posse _____________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Possessed _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Impotent _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Potential ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
25 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
liquid
Words Fluid
flowing or coming easily
for Fluent
Little Influence
to flow in, to impress
Kids Flush
to flow quickly
Read this first!
Root: flu
The root word flu means
fluid or flowing.
Fluctuate
to flow in unsteady waves
Flue
passageway for air such as a chimney
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Flue _____________________________________________________
Fluctuate _______________________________________________
Flush ____________________________________________________
Influence _______________________________________________
Fluent __________________________________________________
Fluid ____________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Fluent __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Fluctuating _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Influenced ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
26 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
having large teeth
Words Macrodont
the larger world, universe
for Macrocosm
Little Macrograph
a picture of a magnified object
Kids Macrophage
a large white cell
Macrocyte
a large red cell
Macrometer
an instrument for measuring distances
Read this first!
Root: macro
The root word macro means
large.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Macrocyte _______________________________________________
Macrophage _____________________________________________
Macrocosm ______________________________________________
Macrograph _____________________________________________
Macrodont ______________________________________________
Macrometer _____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Macrograph _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Macrometer _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Macrocosom_____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
27 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Words Test 4
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Macrocosom_____________________________________________
Macrophage _____________________________________________
Misgivings ______________________________________________
Fluctuate _______________________________________________
Fluid ____________________________________________________
Fluent __________________________________________________
Populace _________________________________________________
Ambitious _______________________________________________
Amble ___________________________________________________
Unison __________________________________________________
Ambiguous ______________________________________________
Potent ___________________________________________________
Unique __________________________________________________
Impotent _______________________________________________
Amphibious _____________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
28 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
having small teeth
Words Microdont
Root: micro
for Microcosm
the small world, the world
of very small living things
The root word micro means
Little
small.
an instrument to magnify small sounds
Kids Microphone
Microbe
a very small organism, bacteria
Microgram
a millionth of a gram
Microscope
an instrument for magnifying and looking at very tiny
objects
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Microgram _____________________________________________
Microbe__________________________________________________
Microdont ______________________________________________
Microcosm ______________________________________________
Microphone _____________________________________________
Microscope ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Microscope ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Microbe__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Microphone _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
29 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to empty
Words Vacate
for Vacancy
empty or available
Little Vacation
no work, resting from work
Kids
Read this first!
Root: vac
The root word vac means
empty.
Vacuum
space that is absolutely empty
Evacuate
to remove people or troops from an area
Vacuous
empty of all thought
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Evacuate _________________________________________________
Vacuum _________________________________________________
Vacation ________________________________________________
Vacate ___________________________________________________
Vacancy _________________________________________________
Vacuous _________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Vacancy _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Evacuated _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Vacated __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
30 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
making pictures by light
Words Photograph
falling on sensitive paper
for
a small packet of light energy
Little Photon
someone who looks good in photos
Kids Photogenic
Read this first!
Root: photo
The root word photo
means light.
Photology
science of light, also called optics
Photosynthesis
process by which plants make food from light
Photobiotic
something that needs light to live
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Photobiotic _______________________________________________
Photogenic _______________________________________________
Photon ___________________________________________________
Photograph ______________________________________________
Photology ________________________________________________
Photosynthesis __________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Photogenic _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Photology ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Photograph ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
31 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
return to the beginning
Words Cycle
for Cyclical
moving in cycles or circles
Little Cyclops
mythical giant with one eye in the
middle of his forehead
Kids
Read this first!
Root: cycl
The root word cycl
means wheel or circular.
Cyclone
wind blowing in a circular manner, tornado
Encyclopedia
a book that contains knowledge from many areas
Cycloid
something that moves in circles
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Cyclops __________________________________________________
Cyclone __________________________________________________
Cycle _____________________________________________________
Cyclical __________________________________________________
Encyclopedia ____________________________________________
Cycloid __________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Cyclical __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Cyclops __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Cyclone __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
32 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
to make a decision, to judge
Words Judgement
Root: judi, judic
for Judicial
related to law
The root words judi, judic
Little Judiciously
doing something with sound judgement mean judge or lawyer.
Kids
Prejudice
bias
Judicator
the one who judges
Injudicious
not thoughtful or of sound judgement
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Prejudice _________________________________________________
Judicator ________________________________________________
Judiciously _____________________________________________
Injudicious _____________________________________________
Judicial _________________________________________________
Judgement ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Judiciously _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Injudicious _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Prejudiced _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
33 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 5
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Microcosm ______________________________________________
Prejudice _________________________________________________
Judicious ________________________________________________
Fluctuate _______________________________________________
Cyclops __________________________________________________
Photogenic _______________________________________________
Populace _________________________________________________
Cyclical __________________________________________________
Amble ___________________________________________________
Vacancy _________________________________________________
Evacuate _________________________________________________
Vacant __________________________________________________
Microbe__________________________________________________
Impotent _______________________________________________
Amphibious _____________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
34 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
the sex of the living creature
Words Gender
for General related to all kinds
Little Generic belonging to a kind, same as others
Kids
Genus
category, classification
Progeny
descendants, offsprings
Genetics
study of science of heredity
Read this first!
Root: gen
The root word gen means
kind of something.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Progeny _________________________________________________
Genus ___________________________________________________
Genetics __________________________________________________
Generic __________________________________________________
General __________________________________________________
Gender ___________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Genus ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Progeny _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Generic __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
35 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Words Asteroid like a star
for Heloid
like the sun
Little Spheroid shaped like a sphere
Kids
Read this first!
Root: oid
The root word oid means
like or similar to something.
Thyroid
a gland in the neck shaped like a shield
Cycloid
shaped in circles
Tabloid
like a newspaper but smaller
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Asteroid _________________________________________________
Cycloid __________________________________________________
Spheroid _________________________________________________
Thyroid _________________________________________________
Tabloid __________________________________________________
Helioid ___________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Thyroid _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Asteroid _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Spheroid _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
36 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
not making sense
Words Nonsense
for Nonprofit
business or organization not organized
to make profit, as a school or church
Little
not harmful to living things
Kids Nontoxic
Nonplus
confused, uncertain
Nonage
not of legal age, such as 18 or 21
Nondescript
hard to describe, plain
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
Read this first!
Root: non
The root word non means
not.
below.
Nonage __________________________________________________
Nonsense ________________________________________________
Nontoxic_________________________________________________
Nonplus _________________________________________________
Nondescript _____________________________________________
Nonprofit _______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Nondescript _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Nonplusses ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Nontoxic_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
37 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to not agree, approve, like
Words Disapprove
for Disgrace
shame
Little Disregard
not pay attention, ignore
Kids
bad
Read this first!
Root: dis
The root word dis means not
or to take away.
Dispose
to throw away, get rid of
Disease
not of ease, not healthy
Disaster
the absence of a lucky star (aster), a
happening
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Disgrace _________________________________________________
Disapprove ______________________________________________
Disregard _______________________________________________
Dispose __________________________________________________
Disaster _________________________________________________
Disease __________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Diseased _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Disposed _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Disgraced ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
38 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
study of living things
Words Biology
for Biopsy
to look at a living cell under microscope
Little Autobiography one’s own life story
Kids
Read this first!
Root: bio
The root word bio means
life.
Biota
the living things of an area, also called fauna and
flora
Biologist
one who studies living things
Biographer
one who writes someone’s life story
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
below.
Biologist _________________________________________________
Biology __________________________________________________
Biopsy ___________________________________________________
Biota ____________________________________________________
Biographer ______________________________________________
Autobiography __________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Biologist _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Biopsy ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Biota ____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
39 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Words Test 6
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids
Genus ___________________________________________________
Prejudice _________________________________________________
Judicious ________________________________________________
Genetics__________________________________________________
Progeny _________________________________________________
Photogenic _______________________________________________
Spheroid _________________________________________________
Thyroid _________________________________________________
Nonplus _________________________________________________
Nontoxic_________________________________________________
Disgrace _________________________________________________
Disregard _______________________________________________
Microbe__________________________________________________
Biology __________________________________________________
Biota ____________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
40 Big Words for Little Kids
Big Aquatic
creatures and plants that live in water
Words
Aquamarine
bright blue-green color
for
an enclosure of water where fish are
Little Aquarium
kept as pets or for display
Kids
Aqueduct
a canal or passageway for water
Aquarius
the constellation of stars in the pattern
of a man pouring water
Aquanaut
a scuba diver who spends a lot of time
under water
Read this first!
Root: aqua
The root word aqua
means water.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Aquanaut _______________________________________________
Aquatic __________________________________________________
Aquarius ________________________________________________
Aqueduct ________________________________________________
Aquamarine ____________________________________________
Aquarium ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Aquamarine ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Aquatic __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Aqueduct ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
41 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
very talkative
Words Loquacious
for Elocution
to speak in public
Little Eloquence
to speak fluently and with ease
Kids
Soliloquy
talking to oneself
Obloquy
to blame
Circumlocution
talking in a round about way
without coming to a point
Read this first!
Root: loc
The root word loc means
talking.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Loquacious ______________________________________________
Elocution ________________________________________________
Soliloquy _______________________________________________
Obloquy _________________________________________________
Eloquence ________________________________________________
Circumlocution _________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Eloquent_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Loquacious ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Soliloquy _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
42 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
a coming together
Words Convention
for Venture
coming to together to do a project
Little Conventional
usual, not special
Kids
Adventitious
not usual, an accidental happening
Convene
to get together
Intervene
to come between
Read this first!
Root: ven
The root word ven means
to come.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Venture _________________________________________________
Convention _____________________________________________
Conventional ___________________________________________
Adventitious ____________________________________________
Convene _________________________________________________
Intervene _______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Convened ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Intervened _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Conventional ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
43 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
government of people
Words Democracy
for Demography
study of populations, people
Little Demophile
one who loves people
Kids
Read this first!
Root: dem, demo
The root words dem, demo
mean people.
Demophobe
one who hates people
Demagogue
a rabble-rouser, one who excites mobs
Antidemocratic
one who does not believe in principles of
democracy
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Democracy ______________________________________________
Antidemocratic _________________________________________
Demography ____________________________________________
Demagogue ______________________________________________
Demophile ______________________________________________
Demophobe ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Democracy ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Democratic ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Demography ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
44 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
feels like a burden
Words Burdensome
for Handsome
tending to be attractive, comely
Little Irksome
annoying
Kids
Tiresome
tiring, upsetting
Cumbersome
difficult, tedious
Fulsome
lots of, abundant
as “We gave her fulsome praise.”
Read this first!
Root: some
The root word some means
being or tending to.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Fulsome_________________________________________________
Cumbersome ____________________________________________
Handsome _______________________________________________
Irksome _________________________________________________
Tiresome_________________________________________________
Burdensome ____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Burdensome ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Tiresome_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Irksome _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
45 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 7
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Aquatic __________________________________________________
Aquamarine ____________________________________________
Judicious ________________________________________________
Loquacious ______________________________________________
Progeny _________________________________________________
Eloquent_________________________________________________
Convene _________________________________________________
Intervene _______________________________________________
Nonplus _________________________________________________
Conventional ___________________________________________
Demophile ______________________________________________
Cumbersome ____________________________________________
Tiresome_________________________________________________
Irksome _________________________________________________
Amble ___________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
46 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
stand-up against
Words Oppose
for Oppressive
under harsh pressure and control
Little Obligation
a duty
Kids
Oblique
slanted, not straight
Oblivious
not aware
Obliterate
to destroy completely
Read this first!
Root: ob
The root word ob means
opposing or against.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Oblique __________________________________________________
Obligation_______________________________________________
Oblivious ________________________________________________
Obliterate _______________________________________________
Oppose ___________________________________________________
Oppressive _______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Oppressive _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Oblivious ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Obliterate _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
47 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
Words Employee one doing the job
for Nominee the person who is named
Little Fiancee person getting engaged
Kids
Read this first!
Root: ee
Deportee
person who is being sent out of the country
Trustee
person holding financial documents like a
banker, who is trusted
Devotee
person who is devoted to a cause, person or
religion
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word
The root word ee at the end
of a word usually means
one who receives something.
below.
Trustee __________________________________________________
Fiancee __________________________________________________
Deportee _________________________________________________
Employee ________________________________________________
Devotee __________________________________________________
Nominee ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Devotee __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Fiancee __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Employee ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
48 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
set apart, aside, alone
Words Secluded
for Secure
to set apart carefully
Little Secretary
an employee trusted with secrets
Kids
Seduce
to lead astray, on wrong path
Segregate
to separate from general masses
Secession
to break away from a government
Read this first!
Root: se
The root word se means
apart, aside or without.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Secluded _________________________________________________
Secretary ________________________________________________
Seduce ___________________________________________________
Segregate_________________________________________________
Secure ___________________________________________________
Secession ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Seclusion ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Secession ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Segregated _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
49 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
the act of bending
Words Flection
for Genuflection
bending at the knees
Little Deflect
to bend away, push away
Kids
Read this first!
Root: flex
The root word flex means
to bend.
Inflection
the rise and fall of voice to indicate its
tone and emphasis
Reflective
thoughtful, inward thoughts
Flex
to bend
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Reflective ________________________________________________
Genuflection ____________________________________________
Flex _____________________________________________________
Inflection _______________________________________________
Flection _________________________________________________
Deflect ___________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Deflected _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Flexed ___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Reflective ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
50 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to make a decision before
Words Prejudice
real knowledge
for
a musical introduction
Little Prelude
to go before
Kids Precede
Read this first!
Root: pre
The root word pre means
before.
Preamble
an introduction
Presage
to predict. foretell
Premonition
a forewarning, an intuitive feeling
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Preamble ________________________________________________
Prejudice _________________________________________________
Prelude __________________________________________________
Precede ___________________________________________________
Presage ___________________________________________________
Premonition ____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Presaged _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Prelude __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Preceded __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
51 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 8
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Oblique __________________________________________________
Obliterate _______________________________________________
Oblivious ________________________________________________
Loquacious ______________________________________________
Devotee __________________________________________________
Employee ________________________________________________
Seclusion ________________________________________________
Intervene _______________________________________________
Reflective ________________________________________________
Infection ________________________________________________
Demophile ______________________________________________
Premonition ____________________________________________
Precede ___________________________________________________
Presage ___________________________________________________
Preamble ________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
52 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
one who loves English culture
Words Anglophile
for Frankophile
one who loves French culture
Little Philanthropist one who loves mankind,
donates money for public good
Kids
Philosophy
love of knowledge
Philter
love potion
Philatelist
one who likes to collect stamps
Read this first!
Root: phile, phil
The root word phil, phile
means
one who has strong love of.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Philter ___________________________________________________
Philosophy ______________________________________________
Philatelist _______________________________________________
Philanthropist __________________________________________
Anglophile ______________________________________________
Frankophile ____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Philanthropist __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Philosophy ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Anglophile ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
53 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
one who comes after, descendents
Words Posterity
for Posterior
coming later in time
Little Postpone
to delay, set aside
Kids
P.M.
Postscript
note added to a letter at the end after it
is finished
Post Meridian
after the sun has crossed the Meridian,
Postmortem
after death examination of the body
Read this first!
Root: post
The root word post means
after, behind or following.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Posterity ________________________________________________
Postscript ________________________________________________
Postpone _________________________________________________
Post Meridiem _________________________________________
Postmortem _____________________________________________
Posterior _________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Posterity ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Posterior _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Postscript ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
54 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
place where you go to wash-up
Words Lavatory
for Lavish
free flowing like water, luxurious
Little Laundry
clothes to be washed
Kids
Deluge
uncontrollable amount of water as in a
flood
Dilute
to make a liquid thinner, usually by add
ing water or another liquid
Ablution
to wash and cleanup your body
Read this first!
Root: lav, lug, lau
The root words lav, lug, lau
all mean to wash or clean.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Deluge ___________________________________________________
Lavish __________________________________________________
Laundry _______________________________________________
Lavatory _______________________________________________
Dilute ___________________________________________________
Ablution ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Ablution ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Diluted ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Lavished ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
55 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
one who wanders
Words Migrant
for Migration
large scale moving of animals and
people
Little
to leave one’s own country
Kids Emigrate
Immigrate
the process of moving to a new land
Immigrant
one who moves to a new land
Migratory
wandering species, such as birds who
moves south in winter
Read this first!
Root: migrs
The root word migra means
to wander around.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Immigrant_____________________________________________
Migrant ________________________________________________
Emigrate_________________________________________________
Immigrate _____________________________________________
Migratory ______________________________________________
Migration ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Migration ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Immigrated ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Migratory ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
56 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
color
Words Chroma
for Chrome
a yellow color, also a shiny plated metal
Little Chromium
a rust-resistant metal, chrome-plated
Kids
Chromosome
a colored cell that defines heredity
Chromatology
science of studying colors
Chromophilic
easy to stain (color-loving)
Read this first!
Root: chrome
The root word chrome
means color.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Chrome __________________________________________________
Chroma __________________________________________________
Chromium ______________________________________________
Chromosome ____________________________________________
Chromatology ___________________________________________
Chromophilic ____________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Chromium ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Chromosome ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Chromatology ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
57 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 9
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Oblique __________________________________________________
Obliterate _______________________________________________
Philanthropist __________________________________________
Loquacious ______________________________________________
Posterior _________________________________________________
Posterity ________________________________________________
Postmortem _____________________________________________
Lavish __________________________________________________
Ablution ________________________________________________
Infection ________________________________________________
Deluge ___________________________________________________
Premonition ____________________________________________
Emigrate_________________________________________________
Migrant ________________________________________________
Chroma __________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
58 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
opposite of the North pole
Words Antarctic
medicine that works against
for Antacid
stomach acid
Little
cells in the body that work
Kids Antibody
against invading viruses
Read this first!
Root: ant
The root word ant means
against.
Anticlimax
a let down, going from an event of
importance to one not important
Antidote
medicine that works against a poison
Antipathy
a strong feeling of dislike, disgust
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Anticlimax _____________________________________________
Antibody ________________________________________________
Antacid _________________________________________________
Antarctic ________________________________________________
Antidote _________________________________________________
Antipathy ______________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Antipathy ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Anticlimax _____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Antibody ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
59 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to pull out or to remove from
Words Extract
for Exclude
to shut out
Little Expel
to throw out
Kids
Express
to speak out
Excavate
to make a hole, dig
Extend
to stretch out
Read this first!
Root: ex
The root word ex at the
beginning of a word means
out or from.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Excavate _________________________________________________
Extend ___________________________________________________
Express ___________________________________________________
Exclude __________________________________________________
Extract ___________________________________________________
Expel _____________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Expresses _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Excavated ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Extracted ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
60 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to deceive
Words Beguile
a gift as an inheritance
for Bequest
Little Beloved
one who is loved with great intensity
Kids Berate
to scold loudly and openly
Bereave
deprived sadly, as in “bereaving
widow” who lost her husband
Bedeck
to cover or dress with beautiful things
Read this first!
Root: be
The root word be at the front
of a word, usually implies an
intensity of something.
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Berate ___________________________________________________
Bereave __________________________________________________
Beguile___________________________________________________
Bequest __________________________________________________
Beloved __________________________________________________
Bedeck ___________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Bedecked _________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Berated __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Bequest __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
61 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
face or looks of a person
Words Visage
for Envision
to see in one’s mind, imagine
Little Vista
a large view from a distance
Kids
Read this first!
Root: vis
The root word vis means
to see.
Visionary
one who imagines, dreams of big things
Visualize
to make visible in the mind by imagining
Evident
that which can be easily seen, obvious
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Visionary _______________________________________________
Vista _____________________________________________________
Evident __________________________________________________
Envision ________________________________________________
Visualize ________________________________________________
Visage ____________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Envision ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Visualized _______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Evident __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
62 Big Words for Little Kids
Big
to work out carefully with lot of detail
Words Elaborate
for Emanate
to flow out, as smell from flowers
Little Effusive
pouring out of feelings
Kids
Eject
to throw out
Eccentric
having a different center, oddball
Effete
Read this first!
Root: e, ec, ef
The root words e, ec and ef
at the beginning of a word
mean out.
lacking strength, worn out
\ Underline the root and then write the meaning of each word below.
Eject ______________________________________________________
Eccentric _________________________________________________
Effete _____________________________________________________
Effusive __________________________________________________
Emanate ________________________________________________
Elaborate ________________________________________________
\ Now make a sentence using the word.
Elaborate plan__________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Effusive __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Emanate ________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com
63 Big Words for Little Kids
Read this first!
Big
Test 10
Words
Your score:
for Write out the meaning of the following words.
Little
Kids Extract ___________________________________________________
Excavate _________________________________________________
Precede ___________________________________________________
Antibody ________________________________________________
Posterior _________________________________________________
Antidote _________________________________________________
Antipathy ______________________________________________
Bedeck ___________________________________________________
Berate ___________________________________________________
Visage ____________________________________________________
Deluge ___________________________________________________
Envision ________________________________________________
Immigrant_____________________________________________
Effusive __________________________________________________
Enmity _________________________________________________
©2001 Mountcastle Company, www.readinglesson.com