Tips from a Speech-Language Pathologist: Boost Your Child's Vocabulary

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I have a powerful and simple tip to share with families:

📚 Read one picture book with your child every day!

This might sound easy, but the impact is incredible and backed by research. In fact, parents who read just one picture book daily expose their child to around 78,000 different words each year. Over time, that results in an astonishing 1.4 million more words heard by the time they start kindergarten, compared to children who aren't read to regularly (Logan et al., 2019).

This substantial vocabulary boost plays a crucial role in more than just language. It directly affects your child’s future academic success, reading comprehension, and even their confidence.

Why Vocabulary Matters

A strong vocabulary is essential for various aspects of life, including:

• Understanding instructions

• Expressing thoughts and feelings

• Answering questions in school

• Building reading skills

• Telling stories and forming friendships

  
  

According to the National Early Literacy Panel, early vocabulary skills are among the strongest indicators of future reading success.

Tip 1: Read Aloud Every Day (Yes, Every Day!)

Children’s brains are naturally wired to learn through exposure and repetition. Reading aloud introduces them to new words within rich, meaningful contexts. Even before your child can speak, they are absorbing how language sounds and works.

🧩 Try this: Choose picture books with rich vocabulary and repetition. Titles like Bear Snores On, The Gruffalo, or Blueberries for Sal offer delightful, descriptive words that help build your child's mental word bank.

Tip 2: Talk About What You Read

Don’t stop at just reading—interact. Ask questions, make comments, and encourage your child to predict what might happen next.

🧩 Try this: Rather than asking “What’s that?”, try asking “What do you think the bear is doing?” or “Why is the girl sad?” These open-ended questions foster comprehension and help expand expressive vocabulary.

Tip 3: Use Everyday Moments as Vocabulary Builders

Reading is powerful, but engaging in conversation during everyday routines is equally important. Mealtime, bathtime, and running errands provide countless chances to introduce and repeat new words.

🧩 Try this: Narrate your actions: “Let’s zip up your jacket—it’s chilly today!” or “We’re slicing apples—look at the red skin and the juicy inside!”

Tip 4: Label, Expand, and Repeat

This is a common strategy used by speech therapists:

• Label what your child sees (“That’s a giraffe.”)

• Expand on their words (“Yes! It's a tall giraffe with a long neck.”)

• Repeat words throughout the day to strengthen retention.

  
  

🧠 Repetition, especially in meaningful contexts, is what makes new vocabulary stick.

Tip 5: Add Music and Movement

Incorporating songs and fingerplays (like The Wheels on the Bus or Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes) can introduce rhythm, rhyme, and new vocabulary in a fun way. Movement helps anchor language, especially for young learners, making it memorable and engaging.

Vocabulary Gaps Start Early—But So Can Support

Children from language-rich homes hear millions more words by age 5 compared to those not regularly read or spoken to. This “word gap” can significantly impact school readiness and language confidence.

But here's the great news: you can close that gap! Simply read a book each day and engage in intentional conversations with your child.

Supporting Families in Murrieta and Beyond

At Virtual Speech Solutions, we support families in Murrieta, Temecula, Menifee, and nearby areas in boosting their child's communication skills through:

• Play-based speech therapy

• Early intervention services

• Parent coaching and home language strategies

• Virtual and in-person therapy options

  
  

If you're concerned about your child’s vocabulary, speech clarity, or language development, we’re here to offer compassionate and individualized support.

Create Lasting Connections

Reading together provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child. Each moment spent reading or discussing a story builds not just their vocabulary, but also your relationship.

Every time you read a book, describe a moment, or sing a silly song with your child, you’re nurturing their brain and future.

📚 One picture book a day = a million-word head start! Woo hoo! 🙂

By fostering a love for reading and communication, you’re setting your child on a path to success. So pick up that book today and start your journey together!