Did you ever wonder how kids learn new words? Most of the words kids learn come from everyday life. They hear language in books, on TV, and when talking with people around them.
You can help your child grow their vocabulary and learn more about the world just by talking with them. These skills are important for learning how to read. A home full of conversation and language is one of the best ways to help your child become a strong reader.
With Babies
- Talk to your baby about what you’re doing. This helps them connect words to actions or objects.
- As your baby starts to talk, ask questions like “What’s that?” when pointing to things. Then add more to their answer.
For example:
Child: “Banana.”
You: “Yes! That’s a banana. It’s yellow.”
With Young Children
- Talk about what you see in your neighborhood, on car rides, or on TV. These chats help kids learn about the world.
- While reading, stop and ask questions.
Try asking:
“Why do you think he did that?”
“What do you think will happen next?” - Use fun or new words when talking.
For example:
“This cookie is delicious! That means it tastes really good.” - Share stories from your life or tell them about the day they were born. This helps them feel connected to their family and culture.
It doesn’t matter what language you speak — talking with your child helps them become a better reader!