Q Words for Kids
Here, we have a compilation of Q words for kids that can be used in vocabulary lessons. We’ve also provided some fun text ideas that you can use by copying and pasting into your lesson materials.
Quick! “Q” and little buddy, “u,” are going to Quincy! In this series, our alphabet friends, A through Z, become tourists in America’s cities. At each of their stops, letters dig into their supplies in order to learn a new word study skill or vocabulary term.
Q has packed its quilted case for Quincy, Massachusetts! Q is also bringing a friend, “u,” on many adventures because the two are a very good team. Together, “q” and “u” make a “/k/” sound. During Q’s trip, Q (and “u”) is excited to learn about different syllable features and patterns with the help of some wonderful word lists in Q ‘s quilted case. Q is looking forward to exploring and learning in the quaint town of Quincy! Because Q is one of the least used letters in the alphabet, Q’s journey will be a little shorter, but still packed with fun!
Tip: Best educational practices related to word study include: read-alouds, discussion, and writing. It is important to build rich connections between readers and the vocabulary words they learn. For instance, discuss sample sentences and make other personal associations to bolster recall, decoding, and encoding. As always, remember that some words may require frontloading and framing depending on the learner’s age, background, and needs. Helpful reminders for readers: A vowel is a speech sound produced by letters a, e, i, o, u and sometimes y. A consonant is a speech sound produced by all of the other letters in the alphabet.
Closed Syllables: Quick! We’re headed to New England! Q is going back in time at Adams National Historical Park, the birthplace of two U.S. presidents: John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Q explores both presidents’ historic homes, strolls through beautiful gardens, and learns all about their contributions to American history. Q stops for a selfie, digs into its quilted bag, and pulls out the very first word list of closed syllables! When the vowel of a syllable is short, the syllable is closed off by one or more consonants. Examples of closed syllable words include “hat,” “pin,” and “dotted.” Let’s take a look at the open syllable words that begin with “q!”
quacking | question | quibble | quip | quill |
quick | quickly | quack | quilting | quilt |
quality | quantity | quarter | quiver | quench |
Open Syllables: Quite a sight! Q’s next visit is to the quiet and quaint United First Parish Church, also known as the Church of the Presidents. This iconic church served as the burial place for both John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Q can’t believe this spot’s grand architecture and rich history! After touring and enjoying the sights, Q pops down in the grass and reviews the next word list about open syllables. Open syllables have a vowel sound that is long and ends with a vowel. Because there is no consonant after the vowel in the syllable, the vowel is able to make the long sound, which sounds exactly like the name of the letter that makes the sound in that syllable. Examples of open syllable words include “no,” “me,” and “hi.” The “o” in “no” sounds just like how “o” is identified by name. The “i” in “hi” sounds just like how “i” is identified by name. Let’s take a look at open syllable words that begin with “q.”
quaker | queen | quoted | quake | quote |
Silent Vowel Pairs (or Teams): Rock on! Q explores the Quincy Quarries Reservation! Once an active granite quarry, this picturesque park offers a lot of quirky outdoor fun. Q finds a quiet place to enjoy a nice view and pulls another list from its quilted bag. This list is all about silent vowel pairs. Silent vowel pairs have two vowels together: one of them stays silent. Examples of silent vowel pair words include “boat,” “rain,” and “suit.” Even though the vowels are a pair or team, the first vowel to appear in the pair makes the sound. Below is a list of words that begin with “qu” that have a silent vowel pair.
quail | queen | quiet | quaint | queasy |
R-Controlled Vowels: Quiet– we’re in the library! Q finds peace and quiet in Quincy’s Thomas Crane Public Library. This beautiful library offers a vast collection of books, a serene reading garden and more. Q feels it is simply magical to be there! After finding a few books to read, Q digs into its quilted bag and finds a list about r-controlled vowels. R-controlled vowels happen when a vowel is controlled by the letter “r.” Examples of r-controlled vowels include “car,” “bird,” and “fern.” Q reviews the list below:
quark | quarters | quarts | quirk | quiver |
quarry | quicker | quarter | quirky | quorum |
Final Stable Syllables: Later on, Q feels quite academic and heads to the Adams Academy, a historic school building that is now a museum. Q loves the artifacts and the ways that Quincy honors its educational history. Q gives it an A+! Q finds a desk to sit at and goes into its quilted bag for another word study list. This time, Q is studying final stable syllables. Cool! Final stable syllables are found in the final (last or lattermost) position of words. These syllables contain a consonant and one of the following vowel endings: -ble, -cle, -dle, -fle, -gle, -kle, -ple, -sle, -tle, -zle, -tion, -sion, -ture, -cian, -cious, and -tious. They are called “stable” because the pronunciation of each is reliable and predictable (always the same). In this list, “q” sometimes appears at the beginning of a word, but “q” and “u” also team together to make a “/k/” sound when placed at the end of a word. Take a look!
quibble | critique | plaque | technique | picturesque |
boutique | mosque | antique | unique | clique |
“Q” in Animals: Q makes a quick escape into nature at Faxon Park, a tranquil place in Quincy. With its picturesque trails, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk. Q lays in the grass and rests its head on its quilted bag and explores a list of animals from all over the globe that begin with “q” (and “u”):
quahog | quetzal | quoll | quail | quokka |
“Q” in Technology: Q feels its belly rumble and finds a nice restaurant to enjoy some local fare. As Q chows down and scrolls on its phone, it pulls a list from its quilted bag. These words are all about technology and science! Far out, Q! This next list is all about technology that begins with “qu!” Let’s look at the list from Q’s case:
QR code | query | QWERTY | quantum | queue |
quick response | quick save | qubit | quick sort |
“Q” in Communication: Chooo, choooo! Q’s day comes to a close, but Q knows Quincy totally rocks! Q visits Quincy’s Granite Railway! This historic site marks the birthplace of the first commercial railway in the United States. Q is in awe of this extra unique place! Here are some “qu” nouns, adjectives, and verbs that readers and communicators should become familiar with.
quaint | quandary | quest | quiescence | quipster |
quaintness | quaver | question | quiescent | quirky |
qualify | quell | questionnaire | quiet | quizzical |
qualities | quench | quibble | quintessence | quotation |
quality | query | quick-witted | quip |