In today’s digitally connected world, children are always bombarded with information and various sources, therefore it’s more important than ever to understand the significance of well-rounded vocabulary cannot be overstated. After all a strong vocabulary plays an important role in shaping young minds. As parents or educators, it’s our responsibility to nurture our students with the linguistic abilities of the next generation. For that, we need to make our children meet with a world of rich vocabulary. So, today we will be discussing the various strategies, activities, and insights that can be conducted during the preschool learning process to guide the way of our children toward a world of words. Let’s dive in. 

Strategies To Develop Strong Vocabulary in Children 

Make Conversations A Priority 

All parents and educators have to understand that young children are like sponges, so it becomes very important to immerse them in language right from the beginning. During the early years of play school education, the number of words a child can learn is quite much more related to their future success. Many experts thus advise parents to make conversations a priority to inculcate better vocabulary. It’s vital to talk to your child and expose them to new and different words around them. You can try naming objects, using number words, or introducing them to new words to express their emotions. The more words they will understand through your conversation, the better they will be able to use them. 

Practice Reading Together 

One great way to make your child meet the amazing world of words is to instill a love for reading in them. According to many preschool experts, it’s important to make reading a regular routine and give reading a regular slot in their timetable. Whether they are at school or at home, make them read books of your child’s interests. Find books that relate to them and this will encourage them to read purely for enjoyment. Even when your child learns to read on their own, keep reading aloud to them. Children enjoy hearing stories, and you can help them expand their vocabulary by picking books that would be too challenging for them to read on their own.

Use Interesting Words During Interaction 

Try to use engaging language when speaking to your child. For example, When I gave a friend her present, she was quite delighted. Delighted is a strong word for happy. Another example, I am always delighted when you help me clean the kitchen. So, you can instead of asking your child what makes you happy, you can ask what makes you delighted. This way they will learn a new vocabulary of words for the same words they use regularly. In your everyday speech, try to set an example by utilizing adjectives (words that describe nouns, such as “yellow” or “smooth”) and adverbs (words that characterize verbs, such as “happily” or “quickly”). ‘Can you smell the freshly cut grass?’ is an illustration.

Repetition is the Key

According to various research studies, typically a new word must be heard around 4 to 12 times before it gets added to a child’s vocabulary. So, as a parent or teacher, you must remember this count in mind when introducing your child to a new word. Make sure to weave those new words in conversation with your child multiple times. In addition to that, it’s not necessary to use the same word for the same action, it’s also important to use the word in a variety of different contexts. Throwing in a word you’ve already learned is also a smart idea because one of the best ways to acquire new words is through repeated exposure.

Use Words With Variant Meanings 

You might have heard of homonyms or words that have variant meanings of everyday life. These are the words that sound the same but can be spelled differently and have different meanings. For example, the words two and two sound the same but have different meanings and spellings as well. Children during the learning stage are often challenged by these kinds of words. So, to make them understand these words you must use them during conversations and explain them using different examples. For example, I am going to the bank to deposit my money. In another sentence, your grandmother used to live by the bank of the river. 

Make Them Write For Pleasure 

Sometimes children get turned off the moment you ask them for writing. In fact, many teachers find it difficult to introduce children to new words through the writing activity. Therefore teachers and parents should try to encourage their child to write for pleasure. This can be done by asking them to write on a subject or topic that they love or find interesting. Don’t correct their writing, just let them write using their own words and imagination. It is said that children who enjoy writing are more likely to learn new words on their own at the expected level for their age.

Introduce A Word of The Day 

This is a super cool activity that can be conducted both at school and at home. Try to introduce a new word each day to your child. This way you can boost your child’s vocabulary by 365 words every year. This activity can be great when the whole family gets involved in it. You can use a word-a-day calendar or app that will suggest new words for your little one or simply just pick them from a dictionary. Just make sure when you introduce them to a word every day, also make them know the meaning of that word and let them use that word in their speaking and writing. 

CONCLUSION 

 

In conclusion, we can say that fostering a strong vocabulary in children is a crucial aspect of their holistic development. So, it’s time to prepare our children or young learners for a bright future both in play school education and beyond by embracing these engaging activities and mindful guidance. Let your child express themselves with confidence through the new world of words.