Children are constantly learning new words.  The number of words they learn and retain has a significant impact on their literacy and language skills.  A strong vocabulary is necessary in order to cultivate a lifetime love for learning and reading. Additionally, a vast vocabulary is the strongest indicator of academic achievement in all curriculum areas.

It is imperative for parents to help their children learn new vocabulary words on a daily basis, as children who have rich vocabularies have a greater educational advantage.  Fortunately, there are many practical tools parents can use for building vocabulary.  Some practical parent tools for building vocabulary include, but are not limited to:

• Word Games: Using word games as a tool for building vocabulary makes learning fun.  Some fun and educational word games include Scrabble, Hangman, and Boggle. These games can be played as either a physical game or as an app.

• Reading: The most common and practical parent tool for building vocabulary is reading.  Whether parents read to their children or allow them to read to them, this one-on-one time allows children to build their vocabulary with confidence.

• Label Household Items: Labeling household items is a great way to teach children new words.  Not only will they see the item, but they will learn the spelling of the word as well.

• Flashcards: Flashcards are a fantastic way to build children’s vocabulary.  Children get the chance to learn the spelling and definition of words, while having a bit of fun.  Parents can use physical flashcards or a flashcard app. Flashcards help kids hone memorization skills as well.  

Studies indicate that vocabulary skills are the best predictor of reading comprehension in children.  It is pertinent to build children’s vocabulary at an early age because it is the foundation that they need to succeed in school. Simple activities such as reading to and/or with your children can help them develop an impressive vocabulary.  Lectura Books offers an array of bilingual children’s books that parents and children can enjoy together.  The bilingual books in Spanish and English will help give children and parents a more robust vocabulary in both languages.