Build vocabulary in the summer to reinforce and add to what was learned during the school year. All school year, students work on using new words through reading and writing lessons. But, did they actually learn new words or did they simply regurgitate them at the time? The best way to reinforce and strengthen children’s vocabulary is through daily reading and everyday conversation.
Summer provides many options for outdoor activities that enable word building. And, many doors open for natural conversations between adults and children. Activities such as swimming, bike riding, walking, hiking, etc. offer circumstances for using a variety of nouns and verbs. Also, Pinterest offers many ideas and strategies to make vocabulary learning fun at home.
When parents and children take time to learn in the summer, it increases the academic success level for the new school year. Regular conversations and discussions are subject to improve the use of new words. Thus, an increase in communication skills. In addition, the skills enable children to understand others’ ideas while in oral conversation. Retrospectively, they can also get their thoughts and ideas across more effectively.
Conversations And Discussions
While communicating with children, add words that your child probably won’t understand. Use words that you use while taking to another adult. By not talking down to a child, they will begin to pick up new words. Encourage them to ask for definitions if they do not understand what is being said. Children absorb what they hear. The more you speak, the more you teach and the more they learn.
Build Vocabulary Through Activities
• Word of the day/week
Choose a word of the day or week that the whole family can use. Work it through conversations and examples.
• Picture Books
Read picture books to a child and use new vocabulary words for nouns and verbs.
• Apps for phones or tablets
Apps for vocabulary building can broaden a child’s verbal communication skills.
Research indicates that it is enormously important to build a child’s vocabulary. It is not how much you say, it is what you say that makes a difference. Set a path for success in school and keep children learning and building skills all summer.
