How To Increase Children’s English Vocabulary?
Increasing children’s English vocabulary is a challenge if they do not have contact with the language. It’s not just about memorizing and repeating words; the goal is for kids to use them regularly. We can know that the expressions were internalized when they use them in their spontaneous language, in their speech and their writing.
As stated by the Government of Navarra in the document Evaluation of communication and language, we understand by spontaneous language that which occurs both in a free situation and in a semi-structured situation.
We consider a free situation that in which there is no modification of the context by the adult, such as the usual classroom, recess or home situations. And semi-structured situation is one in which the adult organizes the context by proposing a series of tasks.
How to increase children’s vocabulary in English?
Describe the word
One way that children can represent and assimilate the word is to give them a brief description. If you provide examples and help them make associations with things in their context, they will remember it more easily. Showing them pictures also helps to make a visual impact and even more words related to them can be learned.
Dramatize or charades
When you and your child act out words through actions, movement helps to remember them. This technique is especially functional for high- energy kids who like physical activity. To help you in this regard, you can use charades mobile applications that propose expressions and are perfect for group games.
Make draws
Multiple intelligences remind us that all children learn more easily in different ways. For kids who have a strong tendency to visual learning, the drawing strategy can be used. With this simple exercise, you help them reinforce fine motor skills, stimulate their creativity and their vocabulary quickly diversifies.
Analyze the meaning of prefixes and suffixes
A smart way to increase children’s English vocabulary is to help them identify key morphemes. For example, if they know that the geo- prefix refers to earth , they can deduce the meanings more precisely. There are many patterns in languages that allow you to find the meanings without being an expert in the language.
Using the words in stories
After you have studied a series of words through different methods, list them. Suggest that your child write a story about a topic of their choice in which they use all the expressions. You can also vary this activity by indicating a situation, a character or a place so that its creation is based on them.
Ideas to increase children’s English vocabulary
Read daily
Undoubtedly, the best way to increase children’s vocabulary in English (and in any language) is by reading. In this sense, it is important that you choose books that are age appropriate, but that represent a challenge for them. In addition, it is essential that you accompany them during the reading to guide them and clarify their doubts regarding the meaning.
Improve your own vocabulary
We have said many times that the best teacher is the example parents set. Therefore, if you want your children to diversify their vocabulary, you must also do it and become a model. Learn a word daily and share it with your family to make this experience a collective exercise. Thus, your children can see it as an everyday action and not as a boring school duty.
Show the different meanings of a word to increase children’s English vocabulary
One of the biggest challenges in English and other languages is learning to infer meaning based on context. This is especially the case with words that have multiple definitions and uses in specific areas. It is recommended to take the word that is being studied and put it in sentences in which they have varied interpretations. Also, a game of synonymy will help to understand the phenomena of homonymy and polysemy.
Having a large vocabulary is an academic and social skill that will benefit your children in all its dimensions. Apply these exercises to motivate them to see learning as something that can be enjoyed and shared. In addition, it is not bad that you also learn and remember words in English and that you exercise your memory.
