We write this article on how to teach vocabulary in English to kindergarteners for parents.
For kindergarteners, the aspect of learning is not just about adding new words to their lexicon but also about understanding the world around them. Enhancing vocabulary at this tender age can be both enjoyable and effective, setting the stage for successful communication and comprehension skills.
Effective strategies on how to teach vocabulary in English to kindergarteners
Read Together and Discuss Stories
Reading to children is one of the most powerful ways to introduce them to new vocabulary. Even better is when they can read along with you in order to be more participatory. Choose a variety of books – picture books, storybooks, and informational texts that are age-appropriate. Engage you’re your child by asking predictive and inferential questions that encourages him to think about the story and the meanings of new words.
Here’s a list of books that are generally considered appropriate and beneficial for kindergarteners to improve their vocabulary:
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss: Like most Dr. Seuss books, this book uses rhyme, repetition, and silly scenarios to teach new words.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff: This book features a simple cause- and-effect story that is useful for teaching logical connectives as well as new vocabulary.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury: The repetitive nature of the text helps reinforce new words, while the adventurous plot keeps children engaged.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown: This gentle bedtime story has a rhythmical quality that soothes children while introducing descriptive vocabulary associated with a bedroom.
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats: A classic story that celebrates diversity and introduces vocabulary associated with winter and the experiences of the protagonist, Peter.
Corduroy by Don Freeman: This heartfelt story offers a rich language and introduces vocabulary related to shopping, clothing, and friendship.
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon – This story of a baby bat provides opportunities to explore and learn new words that are not commonly found in everyday language.
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig – The engaging story offers rich language and a chance to talk about the feelings and consequences the characters experience.
When introducing new vocabulary through books to kindergarteners, it’s important to engage them in discussion about the new words, ask them to make up sentences with the words, and relate the words to their own experiences. This helps to deepen their understanding and retention
Moreover, it’s so beneficial to teach your kindergartener how to use context clues to decipher meanings of unfamiliar words, as well as how to look words up in the dictionary. This not only helps with vocabulary building but also fosters independence and a proactive approach to learning.
Then, there are predictable books, a category of children’s literature that use repetitive text, familiar sequences, rhyme, or other patterns to allow children to anticipate in what will happen next.
Examples of predictable books for children
- Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss: ” Using simple words and rhyme, the story builds as Sam-I-Am persistently offers the dish in various locations and under different conditions.
- Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean: Pete the Cat’s shoes change colours as he steps in various things, and the repetitive song helps children predict what will come next.
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, illustrated by Felicia Bond: This circular tale helps kids predict the needs of the mouse as each action leads to another.
- Jump, Frog, Jump! by Robert Kalan, illustrated by Byron Barton: This cumulative tale repeats and adds elements as the frog escapes various dangers.
- We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury: The repetitive adventure phrase takes children through different scenarios with a rhythmic text.
Incorporating predictable books into learning can significantly enhance language and literacy development. These types of books serve not only to entertain but also as a tool for teaching children about the cumulative structure of stories and language patterns, such that their strong sense of rhythm and rhyme plus sequencing can help children make predictions. They also help develop memory skills and make the act of reading more interactive and enjoyable, as children delight in being able to “read” along with adults or even by themselves.
Engage in Creative Storytelling
Storytelling is a compelling way to expand a child’s vocabulary and stimulate their imagination. It allows them to hear how words are used in different contexts. After reading a story, ask the child to retell it in their own words, introducing new related terms where possible or making up their own stories using new words they have learned. This can help them practise using their vocabulary in context and develop their language skills.
Participate in Role-Playing Games
An extension of the storytelling activity would be role-playing and dramatising. We could make simple puppets or even just use finger puppets to tell more stories and make use of the new words just learnt. A new narrative-cum-play could result and more props and improvisation could add to the fun and excitement.
Role-playing is indeed an excellent way for children to practise the new words they have acquired. Set up scenarios like a grocery store, a classroom, or a doctor’s office and use relevant vocabulary which can be drawn up first. As children act out different roles, they learn the associated language naturally.
Foster a Language-Rich Environment
Create a print-rich environment in which words are visible and accessible. Label objects around the home, with their item names to help kindergarteners associate words with these things in a practical way and encourage your young children to not just identify but also make up stories about the items. Use charts, word walls, and flashcards that can help to reinforce any new vocabulary.
Encourage Curiosity About Words and Model Rich Language
When a kindergartener encounters a new word, praise his curiosity and take the time to explain its meaning. If you’re unsure of a word, look it up together. This not only builds vocabulary but also teaches them how to learn new words independently. Young children imitate what they hear, so use a broad vocabulary in your own speech. Instead of simplifying language excessively, introduce children to higher-level words in context and then explain their meanings in simpler terms. For example, while setting the table, you might say, “Can you place the napkins on the table?” rather than the word “put”.
Offer Choices and Challenge Your Kid
When presenting new words, give kindergarteners choices and challenge them with options. For example, instead of asking them to draw a big circle, you could ask if they’d like to draw a gigantic or a huge circle. This technique can prompt children to think about the subtle differences between synonyms.
Play Word Games and Fun Vocabulary Activities
Word games are a fantastic way to enhance children’s literacy skills, including vocabulary, spelling, and phonological awareness. Games such as Hangman, Sight Word Bingo, Alphabet Soup, Word Ladders, and Word Association are some examples. Create a word web for new vocabulary words encountered in a story. Write the word in the middle of a paper and brainstorm related words, opposites, synonyms, and use it in sentences. The visual and interactive nature of word webs makes them an excellent tool for hands-on learning, so you can choose which categories are most appropriate based on the complexity of the word and your child’s level.
Use educational apps and websites
There are many educational apps and websites designed to help young children learn and practise vocabulary. Use these resources wisely to supplement their learning and make it more interactive and engaging. You can leverage educational apps and videos that are designed to enhance vocabulary acquisition. But, do ensure that the content is high-quality and interactive, allowing children to hear new words, see them in text, and use them in various contexts. Some examples include:
- Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
- Dr Panda Series
- The Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Collection
- Toca Train
- Build a Truck – by Duck, Duck Moose
Conclusion
Enriching the vocabulary of kindergarteners is not about drilling them with flashcards but immersing them in a world where words are part of the adventure. By seamlessly integrating vocabulary into daily routines through reading, playing, storytelling, and exploration, children can develop a love for language that will serve as the foundation for all future learning.
Remember, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow, so engage with your kindergarteners with their vocabulary learning with enthusiasm and creativity.
You may learn more how to improve your kid vocab at our SAE program page.