By the age of 10, a child typically knows around 20,000 words or more and again, they’re adding to this constantly.
If you’ve ever had concerns about your child’s vocabulary, it’s important to focus on it and help them as much as possible so that they grow into articulate, well-rounded teenagers who are able to cope with the complexities of learning and socialising.
Some children just take a bit longer
It’s true that whilst some 5 year olds know 10,000 or more words, some simply don’t. They might take a little longer to pick them up and remember them. If you suspect your school age child isn’t quite on par with their peers, don’t panic. Just implement some strategies to help them.Fun strategies to improve your child’s vocabulary
Reading and talking are the fundamental routes into a larger vocabulary, but there are many other ways to help your child.Games are a great way to introduce new words – board games and card games as well as simple I-Spy type games will all make learning new words much more fun.
This nursery in St Margarets implements many fun games throughout the children’s day as a way to encourage speaking and listening skills. Singing and music are a wonderful way to introduce and cement new words for your child. This is a stress-free way to learn new words as learning songs simply doesn’t feel like work to children. Most children have a natural affinity for music and will readily engage in it.
Encourage your smaller children to engage with and chat to people whilst you’re out and about together. Small challenges such as letting them pay for the goods you’re buying in the shops will help them grow in confidence too.
The most important thing to remember however, is not to worry. Enjoy as many new and fun activities with your child as you can and always talk to them. Ask them questions and encourage them to do the same and their vocabulary will naturally grow.
K Elizabeth xoxox
