4 Ways to Develop Language and Build Your Child’s Vocabulary

Whether your child is at an international school learning in their second language, or just needs a bit of extra help developing their vocabulary, here are 4 ways you can help your child with language at home.

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Read

Reading is one of the best ways to improve a child 243_img1_1200x800 4 Ways to Develop Language and Build Your Child’s Vocabulary | World Schools's vocabulary
Reading is one of the best ways to improve a childs vocabulary

Storybooks are one of the best ways to expose your child to the richness of language from an early age. Reading with your child each day (or, for older children, encouraging them to explore new, challenging literature by themselves) will develop an innate understanding of language and build vocabulary, as well as sparking creativity and giving children valuable space for escapism. School libraries are a brilliant resource for new reading materials.

Listen

Listening to an adult read a story can help a child learn new words 243_img2_1200x800 4 Ways to Develop Language and Build Your Child’s Vocabulary | World Schools
Listening to an adult read a story can help a child learn new words

Reading is key, but there are so many other ways to access language – and using a combination of these is very important. Listening is an excellent way for children to pick up language and nuance. Listen to the radio or podcasts with your child and discuss what they’ve heard afterwards. This helps them understand tricky language, but also gives them the analytical practice they need in all areas of school life.

Look

Using visual cues to help children create stories enables them to think creatively and make new vocabulary connections 243_img3_1200x800 4 Ways to Develop Language and Build Your Child’s Vocabulary | World Schools
Using visual cues to help children create stories enables them to think creatively and make new vocabulary connections

The arts are an incredibly emotive way to engage young learners and Look at pieces of art or wordless stories with your child and ask them to tell you what’s happening. Encourage pupils to look beyond the literal, make links, and take risks when observing. Take them further by asking explanatory ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions to delve deeper.

Write

As a child 243_img4_1200x800 4 Ways to Develop Language and Build Your Child’s Vocabulary | World Schools's vocabulary improves, writing their own stories helps them reinforce their vocabulary learning
As a childs vocabulary improves writing their own stories helps them reinforce their vocabulary learning

Collaborative writing with your child – a story, a postcard, a poster, a play – is an ideal way to up-level vocabulary, as you can suggest synonyms and guide their thought. You can help your child make bland information exciting. Word displays at home can also nurture a more word-conscious, exploratory mind.

Rugby School Thailand is a co-educational British independent school for 2-18 year olds. To find out more visit www.rugbyschool.ac.th

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Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand

Rugby School Thailand is an international day and boarding school, whose approach is based upon the world-renowned British private school model, and whose curriculum is drawn from the best of the England & Wales National Curriculum and the UK’s Independent Schools’ Curriculum. It is the first and only school to take the name of its prestigious parent, Rugby School (UK), which was founded 450 years ago and from where the world-famous sport originated.

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