One of the greatest tools we have in working and supporting our children is our language. It is such a powerful tool that can change relationships, build stronger relationships and can strengthen personal self-esteem. As a parent, you have the opportunity to encourage good language and to teach your child that using the very best language is a very empowering part of life.

The use of good language is so important. Here are a few parenting suggestions which can help expand your child's vocabulary.

As a child grows, their language will gradually increase and with your assistance, it can reach new heights. This means that as a parent when you speak to your child, you can gradually increase vocabulary that they will learn and enjoy using. Let them experiment with new words. It’s fun!- For example, try replacing words like ‘nice’ with more descriptive adjectives. This highlights your conversation more sharply and your child learns to use better words that describe a situation better.

In some classrooms, I have seen teachers leave a column on the board where they build on vocabulary across the week. It is amazing how it catches on and children start using more interesting language and this takes them up a notch in feeling self-assured. People notice when a child demonstrates good articulation.

Another great trick teachers use is to invite children to build a vocabulary bank and use those words in their writing. All strategies help.

Teachers would sometimes introduce a new word for the day and children had to find ways of using that word in their work and conversation.

Here are some ideas that can support your work in building a child’s vocabulary:

Instead of playing ‘I spy’ in the car, try playing ‘I spy something that is……….’ and use interesting vocab to describe it.
Some families set up a vocab bank on their fridge where words are added that are interesting throughout the week.
When you are describing something to your child, think about the words you are using and occasionally throw in a new word.

‘I bought some croissants. They smell so delicious and fresh.’

When reading to your child, talk about some of the words used to describe situations, people etc. Invite them to think of other descriptive words for the characters.
When your child writes a story, challenge them to introduce one or two new words that make the story more interesting.
Playing around with google can be interesting where you can show your child the various words that can replace just one word.
A game such as scrabble can be fun as you are exposing your child to new words.
Play word games. There are many available in game stores and these can also provide hours of entertainment.
Remember that learning new creative words should be fun and spontaneous. The more the child relaxes and experiments with words the greater confidence they will gain in using them both in speech and in writing.
Reading books is a natural way of increasing one’s vocabulary. Leave plenty of books around at home for the children to pick up.

Increasing one’s ability to express themselves well will naturally present an attractive manner to others and who knows where and with whom it takes you.

‘Words are in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic.’
-J K Rowling’s character, Dumbledore