taking part in everyday conversations with adults and peers about the world around them
	being read to

Did You Know?  -not working properly

Older children can learn vocabulary by
 

	taking part in conversations
	being read to
	by the reading they do themselves

The two ways to teach vocabulary, especially with school-age children are:

1. Directly teaching children the meanings of specific words

2. Providing strategies to learn new words that are found in text by
 

	using dictionaries, encyclopedias
	using word parts, root words and so on
	using context clues

Choose the words to be taught directly carefully. Make sure these words are
 

	important to understanding the text
	often used or seen in text
	difficult because they have many meanings or look the same as other words

The very best way to develop vocabulary is by talking to children about things they encounter in daily life.

Reading to children and discussing the words, ideas and the children’s opinions is a great way (probably second on the list) to develop vocabulary.

There are other activities that help develop vocabulary. Here are a few ideas.