Parents frequently ask us how to develop their child’s vocabulary range outside the I Can Read classroom. What is the best way for them to actively learn? Talking to and reading with your child are two terrific ways to help them hear and read new words.
Conversations and questions about interesting words is another easy way to get new words into every day chats. Whilst you want your child to understand you, that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce new vocabulary on a regular basis. Children can absorb way more than you might anticipate.
Here are some of our tried and tested ideas to double your child’s vocabulary range.
Add New Words to Conversations
Sprinkle your conversations with words you know your child won’t understand. Be sure to explain the word in a context they will understand though. Do this on a daily or weekly basis, dependent on their capability. Make it a seamless part of everyday conversation with your child.
Bedtime Stories
We cannot underestimate the importance of reading to and with your child. Hopefully you read to your child at night, this is an excellent way to expand their vocabulary. New words in stories they enjoy are significantly more likely to stick. Be sure to choose a wide range of different style of books to keep the vocabulary range wide and varied.
Talk to your Child Regularly
An easy way to improve your child’s vocabulary is by simply talking to them more. Start conversations frequently. Ask their opinions, seek their feedback on things. As experts have long told us, children constantly absorb everything they hear. The more they hear you speak, and the more you interact with them, the more you can teach them. As kids get older, give them a chance to speak even more. They have so much to stay and so many ideas to share.
Play Word Games
We all know and love Scrabble, but there are a variety of other word games you can play with children. Favourites include Boggle, Hangman and even eye spy. You can also consider including their phone in an educational way. There are a plethora of word apps that can transform time stuck in the car or in traffic into an educational event.
Label Household Items
Using post-it notes to label household items is a fantastic way to introduce young children to an array of words. This basic but highly effective tactic is perfect for little ones still learning simple words. No matter their age, children will learn to associate the written word with the item it is attached to. Simple, easy and most importantly – effective.
Correct Mistakes
It’s natural for children to misuse new words. However, it’s essential not to punish them too harshly when they do make mistakes. Rather, celebrate and applaud their attempt, point out what they got right, then guide them on the correct way to use the word…
Finally Be Patient
You may need to repeat words and meanings multiple time before your child fully grasps the concept. This is completely normal. Language is not a race and remember English has more vocabulary than any other language in the world. Even the most scholarly of learners won’t know it all. That’s the beauty of learning.
Children develop at their own pace. The most important thing is to ensure that they feel comfortable so that learning doesn’t become a struggle. While you want them to make progress, you don’t want them to overwhelm them or stress them out. That’s why small and constant steps over time are of the greatest benefit to them. Take the time and energy needed to help you’re your child’s learning, trust us – you’ll be glad you did.