Today more than ever reading is important. As I sit at my computer, responding to e-mails, reading research, and quickly checking weather bug. I am constantly reminded that those people who can quickly and easily comprehend the written language are ahead of the game. So how do we prepare our children for this world? How can we help them become more proficient and effective readers? Studies have shown that the size of a child’s vocabulary is a predictor of future reading success. Of course, there are variations among children. Some children, like some adults, are talkers. They say whatever comes to mind and seem to play with language. Other children are astute observers; they only speak when necessary and use words sparingly. Despite these variations we, as parents and caregivers can help our children build a broader vocabulary. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use everyday experiences as a time to label and define words. Have you ever heard a grandmother in the produce aisle talking to a toddler sitting in a grocery cart? It sounds something like this “My these Granny Smith apples look nice, shall we buy a few to make apple pie for the pot luck tomorrow? Oh honey, you have never been to a potluck, it’s when a group of friends get together for a meal and everyone brings food to share.” This grandma took the time to label, “Granny Smith apples” and define, “potluck” for her interested toddler.
- Show your child that reading and writing have a purpose. Before you take your child to the grocery store think about all the times you read or write during one shopping trip. Make a grocery list with your child. As you write, read the list out loud and then again as you look for the items in the store. “Let’s see, we need black beans. We should write that down. Our list says black beans, I see kidney beans, baked beans, oh, here are the black beans.” When you read the ingredients on the boxes or check prices include your child. Involving your child in the process will help him/her experience the connection between words and the ways in which words are uses.
- Introduce your child to new interesting words. Children more easily learn the words that they are interested in. Those things they can physically experience make sense in their daily life. My niece is crazy about ice cream. She started by saying “ice cream” and has continued to learn about flavors, textures and colors as she experiences one of her favorite things. We, as parents and caregivers can pay close attention to those interests and continue to add words and interest our children’s play. We have added ice cream scoops to her pretend kitchen and continue to use new words like “double scoop” and “Neapolitan” as we play.
Part of making life with a toddler "easy" is being prepared. Be prepared with these suggestions and build your child's vocabulary. Then write us about your experiences. It's as easy as a walk through the grocery store with a Toddler. Perhaps it’s even easier.
