A young person may read a subject text accurately but lose the meaning because several essential terms are unfamiliar. A short vocabulary preview can stop those words from blocking the whole topic.

Build an independent routine

Ask school to share a short list before a new topic or set text. Many secondary schools already give out a one-page knowledge organiser for each topic, with the key words and what they mean, so ask whether there is one. Encourage the young person to:

1. Scan the list and mark words they cannot explain.

2. Check each word in a reliable dictionary.

3. Record a short meaning in their own words.

4. Add one subject example.

5. Keep the list available during reading and homework.

For mitosis, they might record “one cell dividing into two identical cells” and connect it with the relevant science diagram.

Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries can provide definitions, pronunciation and examples, although technical subject terms may also need a school resource.

Do not ask for copied dictionary entries or a long list of every possible keyword. The young person should identify the words that most affect understanding.

At first, review the choices together. Gradually step back so the young person selects and checks terms without prompting.

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