Dogs Vocabulary
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High quality materials
Eco-Happy
Fun & Engaging Activities
Ages/Stages
Common Core
Our Dogs Vocabulary cards are text-free picture cards with 12 real photographs of popular dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Students learn the precise name of each breed through the three-period lesson, building spoken vocabulary before they read. They are designed for Montessori primary classrooms, homeschools, English learners, and intervention settings.
People have bred dogs over thousands of years for different jobs, like herding, hunting, and keeping company, which is why breeds look so different from one another.
Because the cards have no printed words, pre-readers can focus on the photo and its name. Later, students can sort the cards by size, coat, or other features they notice.
What's included
- 12 cards, each showing one real photograph of a dog breed, with no text; breeds are popular ones recognized by the American Kennel Club (see photo for list)
- Cards are approx. 4¼" x 3¾"
- Eco-laminated with a food-grade laminate, with rounded corners
- Sturdy, clear reclosable bag for storage
- Lesson plan included
Display these cards in our medium cloth pouches (sold separately).
Created by a Montessori teacher. Eco-printed in our rural New England office.
Made in the USA. CPSIA compliant.
Note: Photos may change from those pictured.
Why do vocabulary cards matter for reading?
Interest drives learning. Montessori is a student-centered approach: the teacher observes what each student is curious about and offers materials that match. A student fascinated by dogs will choose these cards again and again, and each time is more practice naming, discussing, and sorting. That practice builds vocabulary, part of the language comprehension side of reading in both Gough and Tunmer's (1986) simple view of reading and Scarborough's (2001) reading rope. By learning what a Cocker Spaniel is now, a student will understand it when they later encounter it in text.
How do you use dog vocabulary cards?
First, spark student curiosity by saying you're going to do some work with dogs. Discuss the dogs students know, such as their own pets or dogs in the neighborhood, and how dogs of different breeds look different. Then, choose a few cards at a time and use the three-period lesson to name each breed. Once students know the names, use the cards for sorting games, such as sorting dogs from birds. When students are reading, move on to the Dogs 3-Part Reading Cards.
What ages is this for?
Typically ages 3 and up. The cards work well for pre-readers, English learners, and students in intervention settings, as well as older students with a special interest in dogs.
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