Vocabulary builders

Words can be thought of as the building blocks of language. The importance of early language input for vocabulary development has been widely established through various research.

Children with smaller vocabularies at school entry were found to be most at-risk of experiencing learning difficulties at later ages, particularly in the area of reading (Biemiller, 1999).

Helping children learn new words can happen in both structured and unstructured activities, individually or in a group.  Take the time to use vocabulary building strategies:

• Name objects, actions, feelings and concepts.
• Repeat words and phrases often!
• Introduce new words.  Have a word of the week. Explain the meaning of the word and use it in as many ways as possible. Make a scrapbook of all the new words.
• Provide sensory activities and use lots of describing words and spatial concepts.
• Sing songs. The repetitive nature helps children learn the words.
• Read story books so children will hear uncommon words. Explain the meaning of new words and use them throughout the day.
• Play imitation games like ‘Simon Says’ to teach action words (verbs). Be creative and use words like twirling, galloping, etc.