SEVEN WAYS TO JUMP-START YOUR CHILD’S VOCABULARY


The ability to express one’s self is an essential piece in building a strong educational foundation. A more developed vocabulary increases reading comprehension, improves writing skills and can help solidify future academic success. Parents can help their children gain “word power” by encouraging a more advanced grasp of the English language as they grow older. Here are some fun exercises and helpful suggestions to raise your child’s vocabulary to a higher level, regardless of age.

  1. Word of the Day. Choose a vocabulary word from a book your child is reading or from some other source. The challenge is to use that word correctly throughout the day. Keep track of points and offer a reward. Parents should participate, because modeling correct usage will help your child learn.


  2. Word Power Dictionary. Keep a written record of your “Words of the Day” and their definitions. This can be a book that your child keeps for reference and to show how many new words you have learned together. Buy a small spiral notebook and decorate the cover or keep a file on the computer.


  3. Synonyms Game. Write down some common words that your child uses (“nice” or “fun,” for example) on note cards. The object is to replace them with more descriptive, adjectives. Every time either of you draws a card, think of as many synonyms as possible, write them down and keep track of points.


  4. Talk the Talk. Parents tend to use “baby-talk” when speaking with their child, reducing their exposure to a wider variety of words. Use more advanced vocabulary words when you talk to your child so that they hear the words used correctly and in context. This will help them develop a larger vocabulary.


  5. Caption Writing. Pictures in magazines are given captions to describe their contents. When your child draws or paints a picture, ask for a caption using interesting adjectives to describe the artwork.


  6. Thesaurus. A thesaurus is an important reference. Select a storybook, or use some of your child’s own writing and practice using the thesaurus to bolster vocabulary.


  7. Word Games. Scrabble, Boggle and even Hangman are excellent for increasing vocabulary by allowing children to creatively form words. For another easy word game, write letters on squares of paper and have your child construct as many four, five, six and seven-letter words as possible.

By Jenny Nordman