Why Focus on Teaching Your Child Vocabulary Early?
Vocabulary is one of the five pillars of reading comprehension as set forth in No Child Left Behind legislation. Reading comprehension depends upon the meaning readers give words. The more vocabulary words students know, the better they are able to comprehend. A large vocabulary opens students up to a wider range of reading materials. A rich vocabulary also improves students' ability to communicate through speaking, listening, and writing.
On a personal level, a good vocabulary is important in sharpening one's perception. Thought and perception, to become fully conscious, must be formulated in words. Thus the more words one has to make fine distinctions among one's own observations or feelings and among things in the world, the more one can become a fully aware and perceptive human being. Not surprisingly, some psychological research studies have validated the hypothesis that vocabulary and mental acuity are interrelated.
Researchers have stated that vocabulary deficiencies are a primary cause of academic failure in grades 3 through 12. These researchers profess that direct and explicit instruction of a set number of vocabulary words will improve academic success in all content areas. Studies found that teaching students 350 words each year may improve learning by as much as 10 to 30%. Further, in 1982, another study found that students who were given direct instruction in word meanings were better able to discern the meanings of untaught words than control subjects.
Recommended Vocabulary Software:
BigVocabTime is an interactive learning application designed to expand a student’s vocabulary and prepare children for standardized tests by utilizing a fun and dynamic approach to building a word base. Our software focuses on children learning the word, definition, seeing and understanding the word in context along with the word’s antonyms and synonyms. Our unique software makes sure the young learner has mastery of the word before advancing to the next step or lesson. Start today by joining BigVocabTime!
