How Storytelling Can Help Children Develop and Grow Their Vocabulary

A strong vocabulary is one of the most valuable tools a child can have before they start school, setting the foundation for communication, learning, and social connection. By building a rich vocabulary early on, we empower children to express themselves confidently, understand the world around them, and step into school ready to thrive.

Here’s why a strong vocabulary before starting school can make all the difference for a child’s development and success in the classroom:

1. Builds a Foundation for Reading and Writing

Vocabulary is the cornerstone of language, and children who start school with a solid vocabulary have a head start in learning to read and write. When children already understand the meaning of words, they can more easily connect spoken language to written language. This connection is crucial for literacy development, as it helps kids recognise words on the page and comprehend what they read.

2. Improves Communication Skills

Children with a rich vocabulary are better equipped to express themselves clearly and confidently. They can ask questions, share ideas, and participate in conversations with peers and adults. This level of communication not only fosters social development but also encourages curiosity and engagement, allowing them to make meaningful connections with others.

3. Supports Emotional and Social Growth

When children have the vocabulary to describe their feelings and experiences, they’re better able to manage their emotions and interact with others. Words give them the power to express complex emotions, like frustration, excitement, or disappointment, which helps with emotional regulation. Plus, a strong vocabulary allows them to understand others' perspectives and build empathy, both critical social skills as they enter school.

4. Boosts Classroom Confidence

Children who understand and can use a wide range of words are more likely to feel confident when they start school. They’re prepared to follow instructions, participate in discussions, and engage in activities with less frustration. This confidence can impact their overall attitude toward learning and set a positive tone for their educational journey.

5. Supports Success in All Subjects

A strong vocabulary is helpful in every subject. In math, they need terms like “more than” or “equal,” while in science, words like “observe” and “experiment” are key. Knowing these words makes it easier to understand lessons in any subject.

6. Encourages Complex Thinking

Words are tools for thinking. A solid vocabulary helps children categorize, compare, and think deeply about ideas. Knowing words like “cause,” “predict,” and “analyse” helps them grasp complex concepts and make connections.

7. Bridges the Word Gap

Studies show that children exposed to rich language at home enter school with a larger vocabulary than those with less exposure. This “word gap” can affect school performance, so building vocabulary early gives children a fair start in learning and growth.

How to Use Stories to Grow Your Child's Vocabulary

Storytelling isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a powerful way to introduce your child to a world of words they might not encounter in everyday conversation. From picture books to family tales, every story is an opportunity to boost your child’s vocabulary in a way that feels natural, engaging, and even a bit magical. Here’s how you can harness the power of storytelling to help your child learn and remember words that will set them up for success.

Why Some Words Are More Powerful To Teach Than Others

You may wonder, “Which words should I focus on?” Vocabulary can be broken down into three main tiers:

• Tier 1: Basic, everyday words kids pick up naturally (like “cat” and “jump”).

• Tier 2: Words that aren’t usually heard in daily conversation but pop up frequently in books and schoolwork (like “fortunate,” “complex,” or “observe”).

• Tier 3: Subject-specific words that relate to specific topics or fields (like “photosynthesis” or “equator”).

  
  

Tier 2 words are the hidden gems—they appear often in written texts, making them essential for school and beyond. These words give your child the tools to express thoughts with more accuracy and sophistication and help them understand complex ideas.

1. Choose Stories Rich in Tier 2 Vocabulary

Look for stories that are naturally packed with descriptive language. A tale about an ambitious mouse might include words like “determined,” “challenge,” and “fortunate,” giving you plenty of vocabulary to introduce. When these words appear in an exciting story, kids are more likely to remember and understand them.

Tip in Action: Imagine you’re reading a book about a character climbing a mountain. You might pause when you reach the word “persevere” and say, “Persevere means to keep trying, even when it’s really hard. The character didn’t give up—they persevered to reach the top!” This makes the word relevant and memorable.

To make it even more memorable, relate the word to your child's own experience, "I love the way you persevered with your Lego. You kept going even when it was tricky and would have been easier to give up. You really persevered."

2. Pre-Teaching Vocabulary for Better Comprehension

Before diving into a story, preview a few keywords that you know will pop up. Explain their meaning in a child-friendly way so that when the word appears in the story, your child will recognise it and feel a sense of accomplishment. This small step can make a big difference in comprehension and retention.

Tip in Action: If you’re about to read The Little Engine That Could, you might introduce the word “determined” before starting. You could say, “Determined means wanting to keep trying, even when it’s hard. Let’s see when the Little Engine shows determination in the story!” Kids will love listening for the word and seeing it in action.

3. Post-Story Chats to Deepen Understanding

After the story ends, revisit the new words and encourage your child to use them in their own words. This is where the magic of storytelling really takes root—children start to connect the words with their own experiences and emotions, making the vocabulary truly their own.

Tip in Action: Ask questions like, “How do you think the character felt when they persevered? Can you think of a time when you had to be determined?” These types of discussions not only solidify the meaning but help your child understand how these words apply in real life.

4. Visual Aids and Vocabulary Tables to Make Words Stick

Children learn best when they can connect words with images, so try creating visual aids or vocabulary tables to reinforce the new words they’ve learned. This can be a fun, interactive way to solidify their understanding.

Tip in Action: After a story, create a simple table with the word, its definition, and an example from the story. You could even draw a picture or let your child illustrate what the word means to them. This visual connection can help them remember the words long after the story is over. Set up a Word Wall in your house where family members can add in the new words they have learned.

The Long-Term Impact of a Strong Vocabulary

A robust vocabulary opens doors for children, giving them the skills to express themselves clearly, understand others, and succeed academically. By weaving vocabulary lessons into storytelling, you’re giving your child more than just words; you’re giving them a tool for life. Each story becomes a journey of learning, where new words come alive in the hearts and minds of your kids.

With thoughtful stories, engaging discussions, and a bit of imagination, your child’s vocabulary can grow in ways that will set them up for clear communication, academic success, and a lifelong love of language. Happy storytelling!