Vocabulary plays an important part in learning to read. For example, when a beginning reader sees the word dog in a book, he begins to sound it out. When he realizes that he is very familiar with the word dog, he reads it with confidence.
But what if the child comes across the word yak in a story? If he has never heard of a yak, he may try to sound out the word, but may then begin to second guess himself. Is this a real word? Have I decoded it properly?
A similar thing can happen with older students, too. If a student comes across the word bovine but it’s not in his vocabulary, he may become frustrated.
A large vocabulary is critical for reading comprehension. This article will show you how to include vocabulary development in your child’s educational plans, as well as some pitfalls to avoid.
When we talk about vocabulary, we are actually talking about four related vocabularies. In order from largest to smallest they are:
For younger students who are still learning to read, speaking vocabulary is generally larger than their reading vocabulary. But for older readers who are past the “learning to read” stage and who have entered the “reading to learn” stage, this is the typical order.
There is a high correlation between the four vocabularies. Growth in one area generally leads to growth in another. But is it possible for you to influence this growth? The simple answer is YES!
So let’s look at how to increase your child’s vocabulary.
Both indirect and direct methods of building vocabulary are important, but let’s look at what doesn’t work when trying to build your child’s vocabulary.
Does this routine sound familiar?
It’s Monday–time to learn a new list of twenty vocabulary words. The children look up the words in the dictionary and copy the definitions. On Tuesday they will use the words in a sentence, and on Wednesday they will complete a fill-in-the-blank worksheet or even a fun vocabulary crossword puzzle. On Friday there will be a quiz on the twenty words. Then, whether they remember last week’s words or not, on Monday it will be time to start all over again.
Although many of us were taught vocabulary words this way, even the most compliant kids groaned inwardly at this demotivating routine.
Here’s the problem: the list-on-Monday, test-on-Friday approach to teaching vocabulary simply isn’t effective. It does, however, illustrate these common mistakes:
And then there is a fifth common mistake:
And this is really where the rubber meets the road. Vocabulary that is developed naturally rather than taught using the more traditional method above is much more likely to stick with your child.
Each story lesson in the All About Reading program includes direct and indirect vocabulary lessons that offer a variety of ways for your child to learn new words. The sampling below shows the range of vocabulary-building activities that can be found in AAR lessons.
Though this is perhaps the simplest type of vocabulary lesson, it is effective because it allows children to form pictures of concrete nouns in their minds. In this AAR Level 1 example, students are introduced to the words pug and bun before encountering the words in the story “Get Them!”
Download the Warm-Up Sheet from Level 1
Download Level 1 Story: “Get Them!”
This AAR Level 2 lesson introduces children to the mountain region of the Swiss Alps with an easy-to-make minibook and an engaging story.
Download a minibook activity from Level 2
Download Level 2 Story: “An Elf in the Swiss Alps”
AAR Level 3 introduces twelve idioms in an activity called “When Pigs Fly.” Many of these idioms are encountered in “Chasing Henry” and subsequent stories.
Download an idiom activity from Level 3
Download Level 3 Story: “Chasing Henry”
The AAR Level 4 activity “What Does the Cowboy Say?” introduces children to vocabulary and regional idioms such as reckon and fixin’ to, which in turn allows them to fully enjoy the story “Cowboy Star.”
Download a dialect activity from Level 4
Download Level 4 Story: “Cowboy Star”
And finally, AAR Level 4 includes an activity called “Borrow a Telescope” that introduces children to eleven common Greek word parts and related vocabulary words. Some of these words are featured in “Charlie’s Sick Day” and subsequent short stories.
Download a word building activity from Level 4
Download Level 4 Story: “Charlie’s Sick Day”
Other vocabulary activities feature homophones, concept maps, morphemic strategies, and words that have origins in other languages such as French, Spanish, and Italian.
Research shows that children also learn a huge number of words from engaging in conversation with the adults around them. So as a parent, how can you leverage this knowledge for your child’s benefit?
The conversational method is a powerful way to help build your child’s vocabulary. It is an indirect method that is so simple that you can start using it right after you read this article.
In a nutshell, the conversational method is simply talking with your child and expanding upon vocabulary words that your child has not yet learned.
Step 1: When a new word comes up in conversation or in a book, provide a simple, age-appropriate definition for the new word.
Step 2: Provide one or two examples that make sense to your child.
Step 3: Encourage your child to think of his own example, or of the opposite of the new word.
Step 4: Use the new word in conversation over the next few days.
You can download this simple chart and hang it on your fridge to remind yourself of the four steps. Soon this method will become second nature to you, and your child’s vocabulary will grow by leaps and bounds.
All About Reading is a research-based program, and I spend considerable time keeping up on the latest language arts-related studies. My job is to ensure that we’re doing everything we can to help children learn to read. There is a large body of research that backs up our claim that vocabulary growth is critical for reading, especially as students approach high school.
When it comes to building your child’s vocabulary, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
The All About Reading program walks you and your child through all the steps needed to help your child’s vocabulary grow. The program is multisensory, motivating, and complete, with everything you need to raise a strong reader. And if you need a helping hand, we’re here for you.
What’s your take on encouraging a larger vocabulary? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!
Janet Hanmer
says:I love the way d and b are taught!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Janet!
Sue Slezycki
says:This sounds like a great program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Sue!
Jay
says:Excellent article on building vocabulary. I always wondered about whether specific curriculum was necessary as we were using Wordly Wise just for fun for both our 4 and 6 year olds. AAR has been wonderful for us (and we read, read, read every day-together and now my 6 year old, who’s halfway through Level 3, reads to her brother!) and they both have a great vocabulary, I’m positive, in part to AAR! We love y’all!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWow, your 6-year-old is doing so well, Jay! Wonderful work! And that read, read, read every day plays a huge part in vocabulary development!
BRIGID O'HAGAN
says:thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Brigid!
Jane
says:I’m so glad I came across this blog post! I love the examples and books provided and other resources! I will be a first time homeschool mom and I am soaking up all the info/encouragement/resources I can get my hands on! It’s been a great search.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so glad this is helpful for you, Jane! But if you have any questions or need anything, just know we are always happy to help!
Kelly
says:Great ideas. My daughter is an excellent reader, but struggles in vocabulary so this is very helpful.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so glad this is helpful, Kelly!
Jacqueline
says:This is such a great way to explain effective vocabulary instruction. Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Jacqueline. Thank you!
Sonya Haidet
says:Mine are excited about the dictionary now!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGreat to hear, Sonya! More traditional approaches to vocabulary can make children hate dictionaries. I love that this approach often leads to children enjoying dictionaries.
C
says:Good ideas
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you.
Sydney
says:A lot of good ideas in here that I’m excited to utilize- glad I clicked on one of the links that suggested the Apples to Apples Jr. game as a fun way to do this. We love family games and I think my kids will really enjoy this one (and learn more words along the way😉).
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you are excited about the ideas in this blog post, and about playing games for building language skills. Thank you, Sydney!
Susan
says:This blog is very informative. Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Susan! I’m glad it’s helpful!
Heather
says:What a great way to add to our childrens’ vocabulary!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Heather!
Amanda Mobley
says:Daily conversations and read alouds! Can’t believe our son is close to being five, I’m excited to teach him to read.
Gretchen N
says:I have always found those weekly lists for vocabulary and spelling to be so tedious and my kids never enjoyed them. AAR has been a breathe of fresh air!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGreat to hear it, Gretchen!
Jennifer O
says:I love AAR and AAS! I’ve used it on our last child for homeschool. Sure wish it had been around for the older two…
Michelle salazar
says:Love this!
Erica Stoltzfus
says:Love this post. So many good ideas for building a larger vocabulary in smaller children. I personally like reading aloud to them to grow a larger vocabulary from the time they are babies. We don’t just read picture books, we also do many non fiction books about topics they are interested in. That way they are getting introduced to so many topics and growing their vocabulary.
Stephanie Lowe
says:I have noticed a huge difference in my kids vocabulary after the first 10 lessons!
Mallory Schell
says:I love this approach to teaching vocabulary. My daughter learns so much this way.
Eva
says:We love how AAR introduces new vocabulary.. and great article…
rachel
says:Thank you! This is very helpful especially for preschool homeschooler moms like me
Jenny
says:Wonderful advice! We love the AAR program!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Jenny!
Angelina
says:Thank you! I can’t wait to start using AAR and all of the resources you recommend!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWonderful, Angelina! Do you have any questions about placement or anything else? I’m happy to help!
Rachel Schichtl
says:All great advice, thanks!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Rachel!
Glenda W.
says:I think a large vocabulary gives a child/person an advantage in life, in general. I love the breakdown explanations & rationale provided to parents/teachers in AAR. It helps me to be more intentional when interacting with/teaching my grandchildren. Prior to AAR, I habitually gave the definition of a new vocabulary word, and had a child use the word right then, perhaps repeating a sentence that I suggested. However, I didn’t think to encourage a child to internalize the new word by requesting them to think of an opposite. That is pure genius!
I love, love, love AAR for helping me to grow my grandchildren’s vocabularies and love of learning in fun, interactive, and interesting ways.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so glad this was helpful for you to assist your grandchildren to take their vocabulary learning to the next level, Glenda!
Vanessa K.
says:All About Reading and All About Spelling have really changed learning to read and spell for my daughter. We started schooling last year with her barely able to spell or read, and now she has excelled so far. I really appreciate this curriculum.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWonderful, Vanessa! I’m happy to hear that your daughter is doing so well with All About Reading and All About Spelling!
Sara Crowell
says:Vocabulary instruction is vital! Thank you for sharing all these fabulous resources.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Sara! Glad you like them.
Adrienne
says:Thanks for the great tips. We love building vocabulary through read alouds! We are loving All About Reading in our homeschool this year and will add All About Spelling next school year!
Grace
says:My 5yr old son has developmental delays, he loves reading but finds it hard to blend words, thanks for the advice. I will appreciate any other tips to support a child who is a bit delayed but still enjoys reading. Thanks
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGrace,
Have you seen our Helping Kids Sound Out Words blog post?
Many 5-year-olds, even those that do not have delays, struggle with blending sounds into words. Often it is related to not having mastered the Reading Readiness Skills necessary for reading success, especially the phonological awareness skills. These blog posts have activities and suggestions for working on these skills in fun and engaging ways.
Jesse Rebekah Robinson
says:Thank you for sharing this, My son class project he has to create an E- Word book and all your information given will help us tremendously. I love the word card and the salt trays ideas 💡. I’m glad I found your website.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you found the website helpful and the information helped your son with his project!