Saying More Words

Saying a lot of words or developing oral language increases a child's listening, reading, writing, and thinking vocabulary. Help your children say new words and talk about what they are thinking. When your child says "it," "thing" or other general words, say the specific name of the object and create or extend a sentence with a word or words that describes it. When you have finished saying your sentence, ask your child a question so he can use the words you said in your answer. Example: "child" and "bird." Parent: "Oh, I see the red bird in the big tree." Always speak in complete sentences to model language for your child.

Learning the language and the meaning of words is something that is taught. When your baby first said "Mama" or "Dada" it was because you repeated the word again and again over a period of time. The more words and sentences that we hear, the bigger our oral and listening vocabulary and later our reading and writing vocabulary will be. We know as adults that we will occasionally hear a new word and then we will try to use it in our own vocabulary.

Our vocabulary is learned by listening to others. The names of objects (nouns) are basic to meaning and comprehension.

Labeling Objects

As infants and toddlers are attempting to say words, we as adults can easily assist. Young children will learn to recognize things in their everyday environment. Traveling in the car with your child is an excellent time for oral language development. As you drive along, say the names of the places you see and point to the signs, such as McDonald's or Target. Children will remember the visual signs as a precursor to reading. Your child is reading when she is reading signs.

Labeling is an easy way to gain more vocabulary. You can label the common things in your house by writing the name of the object on paper and securing it to the object. This simple activity will connect the object to a symbol (word) and later help with writing.

Describing Objects

• Think about the various rooms in your house. Pick one room and list all the objects (names of things) in the space below.
• Now, pick two objects from your list and write two more words that describes that object.
  (Example: lamp - tall, funny shade)
• Now write a sentence using the original object plus the two additional words. Look how you were able to extend your speaking vocabulary! (Example: The big lamp has a funny shade with cowboys on it.)

So when your child says "lamp, lamp" you will be able to respond with "Yes, the big lamp has a funny shade with cowboys on it."

Creating Print Materials

Creating print materials is a fun and easy activity to do with your child. After your next trip to someplace special, sit down and with your child and make a book or poster together, featuring pictures and the words for things you have seen and done. Put it in a place where you can read it every day.

Conversations

Conversation is the most important way to build the number of words your child knows. Children learn words that they hear, say, read or write.

• Play label games, such as: "Where's your nose?"
• Verbally label objects in your child's world.
• Talk with your child during routines like baths and mealtimes.
• Turn off the car radio and talk together while you drive.
• Watch children's television programs together and talk about them.
• Make regular time to talk with your child.