
English vocabulary is the collection of words a person understands and uses to communicate. For children, vocabulary development begins at home and grows through regular exposure to reading, talking, listening, and writing.
The more words a child learns, the better they can express their ideas, follow instructions, and participate in everyday conversations.
A good vocabulary also helps children think more clearly and describe their thoughts with confidence. That’s why it’s important to give your child regular opportunities to discover new vocabulary words, practice using them, and feel supported as they learn.
Read More: How to write fast
Here are 10 ways to improve your child’s vocabulary at home. These activities are simple, fun, and easy to include in your daily routine.
Reading with your child is one of the best ways to improve your vocabulary. Choose storybooks, nonfiction books, or comics that interest your child. When you come across new vocabulary words, pause to discuss what they mean and how they are used. Encourage your child to ask questions about any words they don’t understand. Revisit the same books to review the words again and make them part of daily conversation.
A vocabulary journal is a notebook where your child can write down new words they learn. Help them list each word along with its meaning and an example sentence. They can also draw pictures to remember the word better. This habit allows children to increase their vocabulary at their own pace and look back at what they’ve learned. Review the journal together once a week to reinforce their learning.
Games are a great way to make vocabulary learning enjoyable. Try games like word bingo, memory cards, or scavenger hunts using vocabulary words your child has learned. You can also play digital word games or apps that offer age-appropriate vocabulary activities. Playing word games helps children use new vocabulary words while having fun, which makes the learning stick.
Writing stories, journals, or even short notes can help children use new vocabulary in creative ways. Ask your child to write about their day, their favorite game, or a made-up story using new vocabulary words. You can also give them a list of words to use in a story. This kind of writing exercise helps improve vocabulary and gives children the confidence to use new words in different situations.
Introduce your child to a child-friendly dictionary and thesaurus. When they come across unfamiliar words, guide them to look up meanings, similar words, and how the word is used in a sentence. There are also simple dictionary apps designed for children that can be used during reading or homework. This builds the habit of exploring vocabulary words rather than skipping them.
TV shows, cartoons, audiobooks, and children’s songs in English are full of new vocabulary words. Choose programs with clear speech and subtitles so your child can follow along. After watching, ask your child about any words they noticed and discuss their meanings. Media exposure helps children improve vocabulary by hearing words used in context.
Try to use a wide range of words when talking with your child, even if they seem advanced. Children learn quickly from hearing adults speak. Use descriptive words instead of general ones, like saying “enormous” instead of “big” or “delighted” instead of “happy.” Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think and respond in full sentences. Frequent conversation is one of the easiest ways to increase your vocabulary naturally.
Read More: How to improve English speaking skills
Choose one new word each day and make it a fun challenge to use it in conversations. Write the word on a board or paper and talk about its meaning in the morning. Throughout the day, find opportunities to use the word in sentences. Over time, these new vocabulary words will become part of your child’s everyday language.
Children need to hear and use a word many times before they remember it. After learning a new word, help your child use it again over the next few days. Use it in different sentences and point it out when reading or watching something. The more your child uses the word, the better they will remember it and feel confident using it.
Learning vocabulary takes time and regular practice. Praise your child’s efforts when they try to use new words, even if they make mistakes. Offer gentle corrections and repeat the correct word in a sentence so they hear it used properly.
Create a safe space where your child feels free to try new vocabulary words without fear of being wrong. Encouragement is key to helping them improve vocabulary and grow as a confident speaker.
Also read: Role of Reading in Improving English Vocabulary
Is your child struggling to speak confidently in English or using a limited set of vocabulary words? Many parents worry when they notice their child hesitating while speaking, using broken English, or lacking the right words to express themselves.
At CuriousJr, we understand these concerns. That’s why our English by Cambridge program focuses on helping children improve vocabulary in a practical and enjoyable way.
Here’s how our English online classes support your child:
Introduce new vocabulary words through stories, visuals, and conversations
Encourage speaking with confidence through role-plays and discussions
Use reading and writing tasks to reinforce word usage and meaning
Teach vocabulary in context so children understand how and when to use words
Offer live interaction with trained teachers in small batches
Our classes are built for Indian learners, aligned with global standards, and made to fit busy school routines. Book a demo and see how we make vocabulary improvement simple and effective.
