Because children enter school with thoughts, ideas, and experiences related to their family, home, and neighborhood, the Make a List word lists for the beginning of the school year build on these experiences. They aim to broaden a young child's experiences and expand his ideas for writing. The ability to create ideas is central to writing, and the development of vocabulary is a necessary component. The beginning writer needs support to generate ideas and build background knowledge and vocabulary prior to writing. Like word walls and personal dictionaries, Make A List word lists give beginning writers a tool that will help them effectively and independently engage in the writing process. The word lists also provide the beginning writer with a semantic organizer to assist in the development of concepts and comprehension.