The more words a child knows before learning to read, the easier it will be for them when decoding or sounding out words. They can make the connection and understand what the word is in print if they have already heard it before. Also, if a child is experiencing several words in print that they have never heard before and do not know, the harder it will be for them to read and comprehend the story.
It’s easy to help build a child’s vocabulary. Reading, playing, and just talking throughout the day are activities you are probably already doing that will achieve this. Here are some ways to incorporate new words into games and activities:
Sorting
When playing with toys, have your child sort items into groups. For example, take out toys that are animals, food, and cars, then have your child sort them into their categories (all the animals together, etc.). Make sure to tell your child the categories and maybe use several synonyms or more specific words for them – this animal is a mammal, this one is a fish; this apple is a fruit, this carrot is a vegetable, etc.
Play Games
- Charades - Acting out words can help your child make the connection between meaning and the word. Playing a game like charades is perfect for this.
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Odd One Out – list four items – three that are similar and one that is different – and ask your child which doesn’t belong. Let them have a turn too.
- A game like this where you can use descriptive words and explain similarities and differences is a great way to make it fun while learning new words
- Example: red, chicken, horse, cow. What isn’t like the others? Can you tell me why? What’s the same about the other ones?
Label Items
Pick a few common items around the house like lamp, table, door. Write the word on a sticky note and stick it to the item. Your child will then be seeing the word and what it is throughout the day. This repetition and recognition will help them remember the word and be able to recognize it when they encounter it in a book later. Switch out the words periodically.
Reading
Before reading a book with a child choose 3-5 words that are new to your child in the story and talk about them, say what they mean and maybe give an example. Tell your child to listen for the words and when they hear the word have them raise their hand or give a thumbs up.
When you are defining words, make sure your definitions are kid friendly. Let’s say you come across the word hilarious.
- Tell your child hilarious means really funny.
- Give your child an example – “The joke you told me the other day was hilarious. I laughed so hard.”
- Ask your child to tell you an example of something hilarious.
- Continue to use this new word throughout the day. Repetition is key.
Check out these books that feature stories with rich vocabulary and make sure to discuss the big words your child does not know. Maybe these could be your words to act out in charades or incorporate them into whatever you play that day.
For more early literacy information, check out KCPL’s Early Literacy page and check out other blog posts about literacy
Happy reading!
Written by Lisa Clark, Youth Collection Librarian
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