Vocabulary development starts early, before children learn to read. Learn the differences between the types of vocabulary, and activities families can do at home to foster a child's vocabulary.
Here are the four types of vocabulary, with easy activities parents can do with their child at home:
Listening Vocabulary
Definition: Understanding words when heard in spoken language.
Activity: Look at photos and describe them to your child. Then, ask follow-up questions (who, what, when, where, and how) and give your child time to respond.
Speaking Vocabulary
Definition: Understanding meanings of words when spoken.
Activity: Look at any item around the house, and have your child describe it. Then, ask follow-up questions (who, what, when, where, and how) and give your child time to explain.
Reading Vocabulary
Definition: Knowing meanings of words when reading.
Activity: Find an article or book, and ask your child to find an unfamiliar word. Together, define that word and use it in a sentence.
Writing Vocabulary
Definition: Understanding meanings of words when written.
Make vocabulary fun! Idioms, analogies, tongue twisters, and rhymes can foster vocabulary learning.
Activity: Have your child write stories or keep a journal. Your child can also keep a list of new words with explanations and pictures of what each word means.
Make vocabulary fun! Idioms, analogies, tongue twisters, and rhymes can foster vocabulary learning.
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Suggested Citation
National Center on Improving Literacy (2023). The 5 Big Ideas of Beginning Reading. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Special Education Programs, National Center on Improving Literacy. Retrieved from https://www.improvingliteracy.org/
