Holy Child Primary School, Derry

Keywords in P1

11th May 2026
 
Children learn their key words most effectively when they practise them through a variety of engaging games. When children play, they are more relaxed and motivated, which helps them retain new vocabulary more easily. Games also encourage active participation, quick recall, and problem-solving, all of which strengthen reading fluency and comprehension. Working in pairs or small groups builds confidence and communication skills, as children hear words used in different contexts and support one another’s learning. Overall, learning keywords through play promotes deeper understanding, stronger memory retention, and a positive attitude towards reading.