A Word Jar to Expand a Child's Vocabulary
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How to expand a child's vocabulary in a fun and engaging way? In this practice, you create a 'word jar' with a 4–8-year-old and learn how to use new words creatively.
Start by finding words to add to the jar. You can look for words in storybooks, newspapers, prayer books, brochures, labelled items or calendars. One person can even read a book to the other to find words that should be put into the word jar.
Everyone has to pick three words. The words can be of varying difficulties, all start with the same sound, all be
longer than a certain number of letters, or related to a theme. Not all words chosen have to be easily understandable by the child.
Write each word on an individual piece of paper or cardboard.
Put all the papers in a jar or a container – this is the family word jar.
Every day pick out a new word from the jar. Look up the word or discuss its meaning.
Practice reading the word aloud. Make phrases or short sentences using the word. Tell stories using the words. Translate the word into another language. Sing a song related to the word. Act out the word. Look for words that rhyme, e.g. kite, bite, site, etc., with the word.
Put the words back in the jar to revisit them a few days later and test your memory.
BONUS: Draw a picture of the word. It can be a quick sketch or a detailed drawing. Alternatively, take out all the words in the jar and create a story using the words. Tell or act out the story. You can do this as a large group or split into teams and see who can come up with the silliest or most creative story using the words. Go wild!