Great Ways to Build Vocabulary

Words are essential building blocks for nearly all basic skills. They make it possible to think, to understand abstract concepts, to ask and find answers to our questions, and to communicate. So the more words your child knows, the easier it is for her to learn.

Setting the stage

Placing signs or labels around the places where your child plays, reading books together, taking time to talk, playing music, and singing together are all fun and simple ways to expand vocabulary.

Rhyme game

Sing nursery rhymes and simple songs that including rhyming words. Say a word and then come up with a word that rhymes. Tell your child that it can be a real word or a made-up word. Then let your child choose the “starting” word. If you wish, make a poster listing the rhymes for each word and hang up the poster at the end of the game.

Favorite foods

Bring home different foods and have your child describe them. Have your child create a favorite food sign. Help him write the names of the food he chose, and draw a picture to go along with it.

Singing songs

Songs are a great way to learn new words. Use pictures or hand motions to define the words in a song. Use songs that are repetitive. Encourage your child to create new versions of the song.

Multiple languages

Introduce new words or make labels for the things in your house using all the languages that your child can speak, as well as English. You might also introduce a few examples of sign language. Talk about the many ways to say the same thing. Sign songs in a variety of languages.

Role play

Help your child stretch her speaking skills by encouraging her to act out familiar situations, pretend to be someone else, or invent dialogue.