Building a strong vocabulary is about more than recognizing words. Children also need to understand what words mean and learn how to use them correctly. Families and educators can support vocabulary development by encouraging a love of language, explaining word meanings, modeling curiosity about unfamiliar words, and combining direct instruction with learning through conversation and reading.
Vocabulary development should begin early. Children who regularly hear new words at home, in their communities, and at school are better prepared to understand what they read, communicate clearly, and succeed academically.
