Maximize Vocabulary With Read Alouds
This article is the second installment in our series on the connection between family read-alouds and vocabulary skills in children. Last time, we discussed why read-alouds are ideal for enriching vocabulary. Today, we will continue that discussion by brainstorming how you can deliberately structure your read-alouds in ways that maximize vocabulary building.
What is a Read Aloud?
First, what is a read-aloud? It is simply what it sounds like. A parent reads aloud with a child. This can take many forms. Sometimes, the child and the parent take turns reading. While other times, the parent simply reads out loud to the child. You may also have the parent reading to multiple children simultaneously or the entire family reading different sections in turn.
Read-alouds benefit children of all ages beyond just strengthening reading skills. Read-alouds build confidence and communication skills and are excellent occasions for family bonding. Studies have noted the unique benefits of fathers reading aloud to their children in particular. If you’d like a primer on the many wonderful blessings of read-alouds, see my interview with Lisa Mladnich on the Homeschooling Saints podcast, which offers a fun run down on on this topic.
How to Maximize Vocabulary Building
Not every read-aloud needs to be a deliberate attempt to attain some specific educational end. Sometimes, we read aloud just because it is enjoyable or fun! However, if we want to use read-alouds to optimize vocabulary building, there are several things we can do to tailor it to this purpose. Here are six strategies you can use to utilize read-alouds as a tool for broadening your child’s command of language:
Choose Books That You Like. First, make sure it’s a book you as the parent find interesting. Just because a child is young does not mean he or she deserves a boring book. If a book is boring to you, it’s going to be boring to a child as well. Find a book that you like, that you find engaging, that you would enjoy to read if you were a child. Your feelings about the book will translate to your child, prompting a much higher level of engagement with the text and its consitutent parts. (Christian Ohnimus, of Dad Reads Aloud, talks extensively about the importance of this practice.)
Find Texts with Rich Language. Not all books are created equal. For vocabulary building, select books that feature diverse word choices and interesting vocabulary. Some authors are better at this than others. As for reading level, the ideal book is one whose vocabulary is about 85% within the child’s current comprehension, but the other 15% challenges the child with new and interesting words. Sticking with classic picture and chapter books will help you in this task.
Pre-Teaching Vocabulary. Pre-teaching key words is a time-tested educational strategy for introducing readers to vocabulary. Essentially you identify a few important words before reading begins and briefly discuss their meanings. (If you’re not worried about resale value, use a highlighter as you scan the text.) The child then pays attention for the words as you read so that they are not taken off guard when they encounter unfamiliar words.
Check for Understanding. Periodically pause during the reading to check for understanding. Ask questions about the meaning of the words in context to see if your child is picking up on how a word is used in the sentence. Offer explanations for word usage as needed. This is an excellent method for helping children understand how words are utilized grammatically in a sentence.
Use Vocabulary Cards. For some children, it may be helpful to have them write down new vocabualry words as they are encountered. These cards can be reviewed throughout the week to reinforce the new word and its meaning. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Pick just one to three words here and there. This is enough to make some headway without throwing off the flow of the story too much.
Encourage Retelling. One of the best ways to learn is to teach. After the reading is over, ask the child to explain the story to you in his or her own words. Have discussion about the characters or themes of the story, using some of the new vocabulary. Besides building your child’s vocab and conversation skills, this is a fantastic way to bolster reading comprehension as well.
With a bit of planning, you can leverage family reading time to bolster your child’s vocabulary. What are your favorite ways to build vocabulary in your children? Join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group to continue the discussion!
