As a speech therapist, I often work with children who require support with vocabulary development. While some children may naturally have a larger vocabulary than others, it is important to recognize that vocabulary is a skill that can be developed and improved over time.
Research has shown that vocabulary development in young children is closely linked to their success in school and later in life (Gathercole & Baddeley, 2020). Children with a larger vocabulary are better equipped to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively, which can lead to better academic and social outcomes.
One important aspect of vocabulary development is morphological instruction, which refers to teaching children about the structure of words and how they can be broken down into smaller units (morphemes) that carry meaning. According to a systematic review of the literature by Bowers, Kirby, and Deacon (2010), morphological instruction can have a positive impact on literacy skills, including vocabulary development.
For example, if a child is learning the word “unhappy,” through morphological instruction, they can learn that “un-” is a prefix that means “not,” and “happy” is a base word that means feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. By breaking down the word into these smaller units, the child can gain a better understanding of the meaning of “unhappy” and also recognize other words that contain the prefix “un-,” such as “unfair,” “unfriendly,” and “uncomfortable.”
So, what can parents and teachers do to support vocabulary development in young children? Here are some practical tips:
- Encourage children to ask questions and engage in conversation. This can help them learn new words and develop their understanding of language.
- Use games and activities that involve language and vocabulary.
- Read books with your child regularly and ask them to point out and explain words they don’t understand.
- Provide a language-rich environment by using descriptive language, introducing new vocabulary, and encouraging children to use new words in context.
Another practical tip for parents is to create a word list that they can keep on the fridge or in a place they can easily see. As they engage in conversation and read books with their child, they can add words that their child may not know to the list. Regular practice of these words can help children learn and remember them. As children start to understand the concept and meaning of the word, parents can tick it off the list and add new words.
By following these tips and incorporating morphological instruction into daily activities, parents and teachers can help children develop a strong vocabulary and improve their language and literacy skills.
References:
Bowers, L., Kirby, J. R., & Deacon, S. H. (2010). The effects of morphological instruction on literacy skills: A systematic review of the literature. Review of Educational Research, 80(2), 144-179.
Gathercole, S. E., & Baddeley, A. D. (2020). Working memory and language. Psychology Press.
Kritzinger, A., Louw, P., & Marais, P. (2018). The development of a vocabulary test for South African Grade 1 learners. South African Journal of Childhood Education, 8(1), 1-8.
Ogunnaike, O. A., & Ogunnaike, O. O. (2020). Vocabulary acquisition in early childhood: A review of the literature. Journal of Childhood Studies, 45(1), 16-25.