Vocabulary is one of the foundational skills required for reading. It plays a crucial role in how children learn to read and how they engage with text! As one of the five core components of reading instruction, vocabulary is essential for helping students develop their literacy skills from early letter recognition to mastery.
Let’s explore why vocabulary is so important and how you can support your child’s vocabulary development.
What is Vocabulary in Literacy Development?
Vocabulary is the knowledge of words and the understanding of how to use them accurately in context. Knowing the meaning of words helps with reading comprehension, which is the ultimate goal of reading.
Without a strong vocabulary, kids struggle to make sense of what they are reading and they lack the necessary words to communicate through speech and writing. Teaching words and their meanings should be a core part of any reading instruction.
How Do Kids Develop Their Vocabulary?
Language development begins at birth and typically progresses naturally when a baby has caregivers present and healthy social dynamics. Babies start to use vocabulary words with meaning typically around age one when they learn their first words. Although the first five years of a child’s life are the most crucial for language development, acquiring new words continues throughout childhood and into adulthood.
Indirect Acquisition
Most of the vocabulary that kids learn—especially in the early years—is through indirect language acquisition. The more language-rich a child’s environment is, the more words they will learn indirectly. This happens when children engage in conversations, read aloud with family, ask questions about words, and have access to early literacy materials.
Direct Instruction
Direct vocabulary instruction generally begins during elementary school. It involves the intentional teaching of new vocabulary words through word-learning strategies, spelling lists, shared reading, and content-area words. Direct instruction of vocabulary needs to actively engage children in practicing and thinking about the meaning of new words. It requires multiple exposures of a word with clear definitions, using words in a conversational context, and discussing word relationships.
Interactive Learning
Engaging children in discussions about words and their meanings can help reinforce vocabulary learning. This can include word games, storytelling, and conversations about books and real experiences.
Irregular vs. High-Frequency Words
Although high-frequency and sight words are most often learned indirectly, they should also be taught directly as new words come up during decoding and repeated practice. Decoding typically begins in preschool or kindergarten.
High-frequency words are the words most commonly used. They make up approximately 50% of the words typically found in texts, and up to 80% of the words in children’s books. Practicing high-frequency words can improve a child’s ability to read and write.
Irregular high-frequency words are common words that are easily recognized but don’t always follow common rules of spelling. For example, the word “said” is common, but doesn’t necessarily follow common phonics patterns. Therefore, they are words that have typically been memorized. They are also referred to as heart words since some pieces of the word are eventually learned “by heart.”
Both are crucial for reading development, but they serve different purposes in the reading process.
Fluency and Comprehension
A strong vocabulary contributes to improved reading fluency. When children understand more words, they can focus on the meaning of the text and make reading sound like speaking.
Orthographic Mapping
Skilled readers recognize most words instantly, which is a process known as orthographic mapping. This ability to quickly and accurately identify words is crucial for fluent reading. As children practice decoding and build their vocabulary, they create more of these instant-recognition connections in their brains over time.
Academic Success
Vocabulary knowledge is a strong predictor of academic success across all subject areas. As children progress through school, the texts they encounter become more specialized, requiring a broader and deeper vocabulary to fully comprehend the material.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Vocabulary
At Reading.com, we understand the standout role that vocabulary plays in literacy development. Our app incorporates vocabulary instruction as part of a comprehensive, science-backed approach to reading education.
Evidence-based vocabulary development involves:
- Systematic introduction of new words
- Repeated exposure in various contexts
- Interactive activities that reinforce word meanings
Investing in vocabulary development during the early years of reading instruction pays dividends throughout a child’s academic career and beyond. A robust vocabulary:
- Enhances critical thinking skills
- Improves written and oral communication
- Boosts confidence in academic and social situations
- Provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning
Research has shown a strong relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. As children expand their vocabulary, they become better equipped to understand more complex texts. This is particularly important as they progress through school and encounter increasingly sophisticated reading materials.
Supporting Vocabulary Growth at Home
As a parent, you play an important role in your child’s vocabulary development and overall literacy journey. Here are some strategies to support your child’s vocabulary growth.
- Read aloud regularly: Expose your child to a wide range of books and discuss new words as you encounter them. Read aloud to them and with them regularly as a fun bonding experience.
- Engage in conversations: Use diverse language and explain unfamiliar words during everyday activities. Encourage your child to ask questions about words they don’t understand.
- Play word games: Make learning new words fun through games, songs, and puzzles.
- Encourage independent reading: Provide access to early reading materials at various levels to promote solo reading.
- Use educational apps: Play an evidence-based reading app with your child so that they pick up foundational concepts and learn new vocabulary words along the way.
Reading.com: Help Your Child Develop Their Vocabulary and Literacy Skills
No matter where your child is on his or her reading journey, they benefit greatly from evidence-based, engaging literacy exercises. To practice effective vocabulary and reading instruction games, download the Reading.com app today to begin a free trial!