The development of lexical competence serves as the primary gateway to foreign language proficiency, specifically within the sensitive cognitive periods of primary and early secondary education. This extensive study investigates the theoretical underpinnings of vocabulary acquisition in grades one through six, emphasizing the transition from associative learning to critical, analytical processing. By integrating the principles of cognitive linguodidactics, the research proposes a pedagogical model that prioritizes lexical depth over mere breadth. The article analyzes the evolution of mental lexicon structures, the impact of task-based simulations on word retention, and the necessity of aligning instructional strategies with the learner's expanding cognitive maturity. Ultimately, the findings advocate for a shift toward deep semantic processing, ensuring that lexical units are not only memorized but functionally integrated into the student’s communicative identity.

Lexical competence, cognitive linguodidactics, primary education, mental lexicon, critical thinking, lexical depth, semantic mapping, A1+ level, pedagogical innovation.

Nation, I. S. P. (2013). Learning Vocabulary in Another Language. Cambridge University Press.

Lewis, M. (1993). The Lexical Approach: The State of ELT and a Way Forward. Language Teaching Publications.

Zimnyaya, I. A. (1991). Psychology of Teaching Foreign Languages in School. Prosveshcheniye.

Dörnyei, Z. (2009). The Psychology of Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.

Stahl, S. A., & Nagy, W. E. (2006). Teaching Word Meanings. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Zimmerman, B. J. (2002). Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner: An Overview. Theory Into Practice.

Bloom, B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Longmans, Green.

Bruner, J. (1960). The Process of Education. Harvard University Press.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Harvard University Press.

Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Ellis, R. (2003). Task-based Language Learning and Teaching. Oxford University Press.

Schmitt, N. (2000). Vocabulary in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Gairns, R., & Redman, S. (1986). Working with Words: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Vocabulary. Cambridge University Press.

Willis, J. (1996). A Framework for Task-Based Learning. Longman.