How to Increase your Child's Vocabulary

If children are our future then it is important to give them the best learning environment possible, but do not fear; there is a reliable and fun way to heighten your child's vocabulary and learning skills.

There is no way to force your child to learn and not all children will remember just what you want them to understand. A parent will have a much higher chance of getting a child to comprehend an idea if the child understands the words used to explain the idea. Your child's vocabulary is very important. Vocabulary directly influences the way your child views the world. For example: Imagine if someone walked up to you and said "I am in a real pickle." While you would know that, in the context of the sentence, pickle actually means trouble, a child may not and therefore might spend a great deal of time pondering how one might get 'into' a pickle and where such a large pickle might have come from.

Word of the day

This is a rather simple concept that incorporates the child's natural desire to prove themself and have fun at the same time. Find a special dictionary that is just for the purpose of picking out a word of the day with your child. Remember that the idea is to challenge your child but not to frustrate them, so don't pick something that will be found cumbersome. Say this word out loud a few times and use it in a correct sentence, encourage you child to do the same. The sillier the sentence the more it will stand out in your child's mind. Have fun seeing who can use the word correctly the most throughout the day.

A sticker chart works wonders to help the child visualize how many times they have used the new word that day. Sleep is proven to help cement knowledge into the brain so before bedtime have the child use the word one more time in a sentence. Also, have then write the word out in their 'word of the day' journal. You will find that not only do 'word of the day's' help increase your child's vocabulary but they can be loads of family fun.

Synonym game

Everyone loves a good game and the synonym game is no different. Pick a word and see how many other words with the same definition you and your child can come up with. This game not only expands your child's vocabulary but also points out that not all words have just one meaning. This game is especially fun with older children on car trips. See if you can incorporate the word of the day into the your game for a learning bonus.