6 Ways to Use Books to Build Your Child’s Vocabulary
Children can learn more from books than any other form of media, including TV, movies and video games. Books are the best way to expose children to new words and build a rich vocabulary.
Having a rich vocabulary is vital to children’s success.
Communication
A rich vocabulary improves all areas of communication — listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Relationships
Children can understand what other people are saying and connect more easily with friends.
Self Expression
Children can say what they mean and share ideas effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Having a large vocabulary helps children understand what they’re reading.
Academics
Reading and writing are critical to academic success.
Children must learn specific vocabulary for each subject.
BOOKS ARE THE PERFECT TOOL TO TEACH VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
BOOKS EXPOSE CHILDREN TO
New words, which increases their vocabulary
Repeated words, which improves their comprehension
Vocabulary and grammar together – which teaches them how to use the new words in grammatically correct sentences
Use of words in sentences, which helps children learn how to use words in context
HOW TO TEACH NEW WORDS
When you get to a word that you think your child doesn’t understand, ask your child if s/he knows what the word means. Allow your child to define the word, then review the definition of the word, and re-read the sentence, emphasizing the new word.
If your child does not know the word, then define and explain the word, using gestures and intonation to help.
REPEAT NEW WORDS
Children need to hear words many times before it becomes part of their vocabulary. Use the word many times, in many sentences, in different contexts, and in conversations. Put emphasis on the new word when you use it in conversation.
PRACTICE USING NEW WORDS
Practice saying the word together.
Use the word in a sentence, using synonyms of the word for emphasis. (ex. Look, he’s holding on to the banister, right he’s holding the railing?)
Ask your child to make up a sentence using the new word.
Your child needs to hear and use the word multiple times in order to master it.
When your child retells the story, remind your child to use the new words that s/he learned.
REVIEW NEW WORDS
Anytime you have a chance, remind your child of the new word learned while reading the book. Ask your child if s/he remembers the word. Review the definition, using the word the way it was used in the book, and create new sentences using the word.
TEACH INDEPENDENCE
Teach your child strategies to discover the meaning of a new word when s/he hears or sees one.
1. Ask an adult to explain the word
2. Look at the picture and see if helps him/her to discover the meaning
3. Re-read the sentence, or a few sentences, to see if the context helps
4. Use a dictionary or google to find the definition of a word
READ OFTEN
Read books with your child every day. This will create many opportunities to learn new words.
By using these techniques, adults can use any book to build children’s vocabulary and teach them the words they need to understand and express what they see, hear, touch, smell, taste, think, and feel.