Book Tour
Why Vocabulary is so Important for Children
Vocabulary is the key to your child’s understanding and communication with others. It aids the development of effective reading and creative writing later on. If children do not know the meaning of words, they cannot express themselves or understand others. In the attached blog from early years language expert, Michael Jones, he states that, “Many children across the UK are starting school with limited language skills, and their limited vocabulary in particular is a key factor linked to later educational failure.” Michael suggests that we do not simplify language for children but provide them with the words that they need to learn. Therefore, instead of saying ‘baby horse’, say ‘foal.’ He also suggests about thinking of 5 words for 1 word. For example, if the child knows the word ‘horse’, you add ‘foal/donkey/saddle/reins/hay’. It was also added that children need to hear some words around 500 times before they remember and can use them. It helps them if words are of interest to them and this can be aided through small world, role-play or reading, for example. It is important that we talk to our children regularly and do not just place them in front of the latest technology for our convenience. Children learn a lot from conversation, such as how to talk to one another properly and enjoy talking about their likes and dislikes. Here, at Step Start Day Nursery, we will continually share books with your children, involve the children in daily conversations and respond to what they are saying, also giving them interesting and exciting words to use in conversations.
