Vocabulary is knowing the names of things
Why is it important for children to hear a wide range of vocabulary and to expose them to many words?
- Children need to know the meaning of words to understand what they are reading.
- The more words children hear, the more ready they will be to make connections when they read. You know if you are reading a word correctly if you have heard it before.
What can parents do to help your child learn vocabulary?
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Read together every day, even if it’s for a short time. Books have unfamiliar words that will increase your child’s vocabulary.
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Talk about the story & pictures as you read so your child hears more words.
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Talk about what is going on around you and your child. The grocery store, for example, is a great place to learn lots of vocabulary–first the names of various items, then colors, shapes, etc.
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For two to three year olds, talk about feelings–yours and your child’s. As they grow older, talk about how things work, feelings and ideas.
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Ask lots of questions. A baby or toddler can’t answer yet, but she learns that questions are invitations for her to respond. When your child begins to speak to you, listen to what she says and add more detail.
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Speak in the language that is most comfortable for you so that your child hears language spoken fluently. This allows you to explain many things that you might not be able to do in English. By learning concepts and discussing thoughts and ideas, the child is exercising his mind. Then he will be able to translate what he knows when he gets to school, rather than having to learn both the concept and the English word at the same time.
abundantreading said,
March 29, 2008 @ 3:28 am
I am impressed with your knowledge of this subject, and the
ideas you have posted to help each child gain a greater
understanding, not only of what he/she is reading, but of of
life itself.
I have been an elementary school teacher for many years,
and have seen the great need for a solid vocabulary back-
ground. The more a child can be exposed to great words,
the greater his/her potential to succeed in what ever he/she
does.
I am now a speed reading teacher, and see the tremendous
potential of those who have great vocabularies. I have seen
many go from reading one book in a weeks time to reading
a book in as little as 30 minutes with the same understanding.
The greater that person’s vocabulary, the greater chance
he/she has of reading with comprehension at speeds that
only the imagination can conceive. It matters not the age,
but the desire, and the vocabulary one has to accomplish
great things.
Thank you for sharing this blog. David H.