Developing a large and diverse vocabulary is one of the best ways to prepare for academic success.  (See the 30,000 Word Gap article in “good reads”).  The above chart shows typical vocabulary development.  Here is the handout containing this chart and more information about vocabulary development: VocabularyDevelopment

Strategies to improve vocabulary

*Book reading – This is the number one way to improve vocabulary.  Reading a variety of books regularly exposes kids to a large number of words while giving them the support of pictures and context to help them learn the meanings of new words.  Diologic Reading is an excellent way to promote literacy in kids.  You can learn more about it here.

Activities

* Scavenger hunt – Draw pictures of 10 things your child can find in the house.  Have him/her find those things and say what they’re called and what they’re used for.

*What’s in the Bag? – Put 10 items in a bag.  Have the child pull one out and name it.

*Parachute – Find light, small items.  Name the items as your child puts them in the middle of a bed sheet one at a time.  Shake the sheet like a parachute and name the items as they fly off onto the floor.

*Drawers – Open any drawer in the house and let your child pull out 5 items.  See if he/she can name those items and tell what they’re used for.  This is a great activity for when you’re busy in a room and they need something to keep them busy!

Songs

*I like to eat eat eat apples and bananas (substitute any verb and corresponding noun)

*Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

*Hokey Pokey