Vocabulary Boosters

A large vocabulary can turn your child into a better reader and writer.  Try these everyday ways to help them learn new words.

Keep your ears open

When you and your child go places, point out words that people use.  Maybe a waiter describes an entree or the dentist talks about molars.  Encourage your child to figure out what the words mean by the way they’re used.

Go beyond nouns

Help your child add adjectives and verbs to their vocabulary.  Sports and games offer opportunities to use action words.  Let your child hear you comment on the softball that soars or the runner who sprints.  when they send thank-you notes or greeting cards, suggest descriptive words (a polka-dotted shirt, a fantastic birthday).