Boost Vocabulary with These Easy Tips

A healthy preschool vocabulary is important because not only does the ability to communicate his or her needs ease a child’s frustration level, but it also directly relates to school achievement. In fact, the size of a child’s vocabulary in kindergarten can predict her ability to read later on.

Building your child’s vocabulary is easy! First of all, talk. Talk to your child every chance you get. Ask questions that require more than a one-word answer, such as “What was the most fun thing you did today?” instead of “Did you have fun?”

Describe what you’re doing as you do it, and describe his or her actions too. Also, use descriptive words. “I am stirring the soup with this long-handled wooden spoon.” “You picked out the striped shirt today and the red shoes with the silver buckle.”

Finally, read to your child every day. Every biweekly you get from your child’s teacher will contain suggested books, as does this monthly newsletter.

If you haven’t already signed up for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, ask your family service worker for this wonderful way to get free books delivered to your home each month!