Note: If you are really serious about improving your vocabulary, we highly recommend you check out the popular Ultimate Vocabulary Builder

Read, Write, and Play to Build Vocabulary

Many kids think it’s a boring chore to build vocabulary. However, there are many fun and entertaining ways to learn new words. Parents and teachers like to use flashcards to help kids learn new words, but those are really only good for memorizing things for a test. In order to actually use their new words, kids need to see and hear them being used by other people. They need to practice using the words themselves. Kids learn new skills best when they play, so games are an important part of word acquisition. Most importantly, kids need to be told what a word means when they ask. Do not tell your child to look up the word in the dictionary, this usually just teaches them not to ask you anymore. If you don’t know, look it up together.

Reading is a great way to build vocabulary. Even if your child does not stop to look up every unfamiliar word, they will be able to understand a little bit of the meaning just by seeing the way the word is used. If they see it enough times, they will eventually understand it well enough to use it confidently by themselves. Your child can read books, magazines, comic books, and even web pages to learn new words. The best way to encourage enthusiastic reading is by reading yourself and being a good example. Kids need to be able to choose their own reading material as well. If your child wants to read something that is a little too advanced, you can read it with them. Take turns reading pages or paragraphs to each other, and occasionally stop to remark over a new word. Reading will improve your child’s writing quality and spelling skills as well.

Writing is a wonderful way for kids to practice using new words. Like reading, writing is most fun and interesting when kids can choose the topic. Many kids enjoy writing stories, some like to start with a prompt while others already have stories in their heads. Some kids would rather write a poem or a song or a list. Many kids who avoid writing will enjoy creating their own comic book. Before the child starts writing, make sure they have a list of words to include for vocabulary practice.

Word games are excellent way to introduce novel words that don’t normally come up in conversation. Games like Scrabble and Boggle especially appear to competitive kids. Those who know the most words will inevitably win, so word games can provide the motivation to help a reluctant child build vocabulary. Words should be fun and entertaining for kids, not some boring task. Kids who enjoy reading, writing, and word games will develop advanced language arts skills.