From a young age your child can begin to develop their understanding of words, grammar and sentence structure. While it takes a few years to develop, children can explore vocabulary and literacy from toddler age, with many nurseries following the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

With your child going to nursery, or heading to reception, you can now provide some ways to help them further with their vocabulary development. Here are ways you can help from home.

Visualize all new words

New words will come up all the time. Every time your child comes across something new make it your job to pull up a picture or draw it out together. Having the chance to visualize these new words will make it much easier to remember for your child. Plus it’s also a fun way to teach them vocabulary.

Relate new words to real life

Some words are just complicated to explain to a young child. This is where you have to really be inventive about explaining new words and what they mean. An example is explaining what the words worried or stressed mean, in which you can use a time where your child tried broccoli or fish for the first time. Tailor your explanation to your child’s likes and dislikes for easy understanding.

Talk all the time with your child

Having regular conversations is paramount to your child’s understanding of new words. Keep conversations going and ensure they’re open conversations to allow your child to have their own input into decisions and opinions. These greatly help a child with their own vocabulary as they’re hearing you say the same words, or new ones, for them to naturally pick up over time.

Word association games

From the classic game of I Spy to using Scrabble or another word-based game and even fridge magnets. These all help your child with their understanding of new and interesting words. It will also give them the chance to practice their spelling. Repetition of these kinds of games will remind them of the words they’ve picked up through games and fun with their family.

Repeat those new words

Use the new words your child has been learning in a range of different contexts and scenarios. Repeat them often to get them used to the pronunciation of different words, sing them in songs, and ask your child to keep saying them. Once your child has mastered using that word you can move on to another new word!

Reading

Another great way to develop vocabulary is to read with your child.