Your vocabulary is the collection of words that you know in any language. Suffice to say, if you want to get better at any language and improve your vocabulary, you should know how to be able to learn more words.
Understanding The Four Stages of Word Knowledge
According to Edgar Dale, author of The Living Word Vocabulary, the process of learning a word goes through four stages:
- Stage 1: Not knowing a word because it doesn’t exist in our brain.
- Stage 2: Hearing the word before, but not really knowing what it means.
- Stage 3: Knowing how the word is connected to some things; that is, a rough idea of its meaning.
- Stage 4: Deep and rich understanding of the word; specifically, having the ability to use the word well.
Subsequently in this post, we will be referring to these stages to begin improving your child’s vocabulary.
Build Awareness: From Stage 1 to 2
There is a simple way of finding out how much your child knows about a word:
Ask them to share with you synonyms of the word.
For instance, if they are able to provide 1-2 simple synonyms, it is possible that the word is in Stage 3.
As an example, for the word “elucidate“, a simple synonym could be “clarify“.
Additionally, the word “clarify” is also a fairly common word.
Your child might even be able to provide examples or the context or situation in which the word might be used. This also means it is likely that the word is in Stage 3.
Consequently, if your child is able to provide more synonyms, it is likely that the word is in Stage 3 and on its way to Stage 4.
Create Meaning: From Stage 2 to 3
When we observe how a baby or a toddler learns words, we realise that there are many layers of association and meaning that are attached to a word.
These layers can be seen as mostly subtle and understood on a subconscious level.
For example, in a TED Talk by an MIT researcher, when his child develops his ability to say the word “water”, there are some experiences and memories that surround the child’s journey in learning the word.
Some of these associations include the interaction with family members, spaces in the home and life moments.
As you guide your child to develop their vocabulary, think of ways to create these memories and experiences that can be connected to the words they are learning.
This will then help develop their understanding of the words they are learning.
Develop Understanding: From Stage 3 to 4
To move from Stage 3 to 4, there are a few activities you can work on with your child.
These activities are aimed at developing more associations with the words which will strengthen their understanding.
You can:
- Assist your child to look up the familiar synonyms of the word.
- Ask your child to recall memories or experiences that are connected to the word.
- Encourage your child to try to explain the meaning of the word.
Teach A Man To Fish
Without a doubt, the journey of improving one’s vocabulary is an investment of time. There are, after all, many words your child would need to learn throughout their school life.
Hence, we recommend that your child begins the journey early in the year.
Undoubtedly, these study skills can help them gradually develop their mastery of the English Language.
With a broader vocabulary, your child can become more confident in themselves in their use of the English Language.