Having a wide range of vocabulary is crucial for children since it enables them to comprehend the text of the given comprehension, craft their compositions, and excel in their verbal reasoning exams. It is widely recognized that having a rich vocabulary is essential when it comes to succeeding in selective school entrance exams.
Here are some well-tested tips to improve your child’s vocabulary:
1. Bring unknown words into your conversation with your child
Introducing new vocabulary to your child through your discussion is one of the best ways to expand their knowledge and boost their confidence. When you use unknown words, it sets an example for them. By teaching them unfamiliar words, you’re helping them develop their language skills and enabling them to communicate more effectively with others.
2. Keep the right balance between their liking and learning
It’s a well-known fact that children who read frequently tend to have a more extensive vocabulary than those who don’t. Research supports this claim, as books often contain a diverse range of words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. Encourage your child to explore the wonderful world of reading by finding a balance between books that interest them and those that provide a healthy challenge (like Classics). This way, they can expand their vocabulary and continue to grow as readers.
3. Try learning a few unfamiliar words every week
Children can find new words in various sources and use strategies to learn and remember them, such as synonyms, antonyms, sentences, pictures, or flashcards. I suggest they keep a separate notebook to collect unfamiliar words and create their own dictionary. Finding a notebook that they love to use can make the experience even more enjoyable!
4. Encourage your child to use new words in their writing
Motivate your child to explore their creative writing skills. By using newly acquired vocabulary, they can enhance their creativity and imagination. Encourage them to highlight the recently learned words in their compositions weekly. This will boost their confidence as they recognise their progress in their learning journey.