1. Basic Receptive Vocabulary:
* Definition: Understanding the meaning of common words encountered in everyday life.
* Examples: Recognizing words like "dog," "cat," "eat," "sleep," "happy," "sad" when spoken or seen in writing.
* Skill Level: This is often considered the foundation of word knowledge, crucial for understanding basic communication.
2. Word Recognition:
* Definition: Being able to identify individual words in print.
* Examples: Knowing that the letters "c-a-t" make the word "cat."
* Skill Level: A fundamental component of reading, this level precedes understanding the meaning of words.
3. Familiarity with Simple Concepts:
* Definition: Grasping the basic concepts behind simple words and phrases.
* Examples: Understanding the difference between "big" and "small," "hot" and "cold," "up" and "down."
* Skill Level: This level builds upon word recognition and provides the foundation for understanding more complex ideas.
4. Using Words in Simple Sentences:
* Definition: Producing simple sentences using learned vocabulary.
* Examples: Saying "I want cookie" or "The dog is barking."
* Skill Level: This level demonstrates the ability to use words in a communicative context, even if the sentences are grammatically simple.
Ultimately, the "first level" of word knowledge is a starting point that evolves and expands as individuals encounter more words and develop their understanding of language. There is no single answer, as the specific "first level" will depend on the individual and the context.