Haven’t we all experienced it at some point? The moment we discover a new word and then suddenly everyone starts using it. For our whole lives no one uttered the word, but now it seems to be all the world is talking about.
In reality, the word had always been in circulation, but because our minds did not attach any meaning to it, we subconsciously disregarded it.
This is why it is so important to help our children build an extensive vocabulary early; it helps them understand the world around them, what is being said about it, and gives them the words to express their own opinions.
Vocabulary for Young Children
Language is the foundation of academic learning, and vocabulary is the foundation of language. It is unfortunate then that so little attention is given to building a broad and useful vocabulary in young children.
If any energy is put into vocabulary in the classroom, it is often when children are much older. And it does them little good, because the selected words are purely academic; they have little practical application in real world communication.
They might see a word like “Chiaroscurist” on an AP English vocabulary list, but tell me when they would use it in the real world. Some people work hard to find opportunities to use words like that, imagining they will impress their less affluent friends. Instead they are mocked for being pompous.
The purpose of communicating is not to parade flamboyant language, but to convey a thought or idea. If your audience does not understand the words you use, you are not an effective communicator.
So when it comes to teaching children, parents should teach vast, but practical, vocabulary lists. Before your children learn words like “”Chiaroscurist” they should be able to name and define the things that they run into everyday. Vocabulary lists for animals, plants, trees, herbs, food, vehicles, tools, anatomy, and medical terms would be a good place start.
Not only do practical vocabulary lists make children great conversationalists, but they help them self-educate. When a word that they know is spoken of, their ears will perk up and they will do more than listen, they will understand. Each word serves as an anchor, that additional facts and information are easily attached to.
Feed your young children a hardy diet of words, and watch their intellect grow!
Real World Vocabulary eBook Set
Our set easily introduces real world vocabulary words to young children. It comes with 12 Vocabulary Builders and our Home Education Guide with over 800 pages. It’s on sale right now for just $8.99; that’s only .69 a book! With full sized high quality photographs and short descriptions these books help you start conversations with your children.
The download is in PDF format and can be transferred from your computer to any device that can view PDFs or with an Adobe Reader App.
*Kitchen eBook Not Shown
Thank you for this great reminder. Not only for my children, but myself as well. To make a conscious effort to expand our vocabulary. Thanks for sharing.
Erica@RaisingMunchies recently posted…Choosing the Hard Road