Building a Strong Vocabulary
Writing points to the need for a vocabulary that enables one to express ideas clearly.
Here are a few tips you can use to help build your child’s vocabulary:
Read and use context - See if the new word is defined in words and sentences around it.
Search for synonyms and antonyms - Find words that mean the same, or words that mean the opposite.
Look for related words - Are there other words that are derived from the same base word?
Use the dictionary - Clarify and refine word meanings with this handy reference.
To be clear, a writer also must spell accurately, so that the reader doesn’t stumble over the message or misunderstand it.
The same is true for grammar. In keeping with the theme of writing regular letters, therefore, you have a natural opening to ask your child to keep spelling, grammar, and vocabulary sharp. Spending 25 minutes, three times a week will do wonders in maintaining interest and sharpness in these writing skills.
Spelling & Grammar
Build spelling practice into your weekly routine. Make spelling interesting for your children & be ready to help with grammar in the moment, when it is most important and relevant to them:
Give them a stack of 3 x 5 cards. As they write, ask them to put troublesome words on a card. Each week you can review those words with them. If they are using e-mail to write their letters, they may prefer to keep those troublesome words in a separate file on the computer.
On an old Rolodex file, have your children make their own spelling and vocabulary dictionary. Each special word can be placed in alphabetical order with a definition that was appropriate for the letter in which it was written. Vocabulary building can also follow this Rolodex approach.
Use a spelling workbook. Most spelling activity books are organized to provide independent activity for students in fifteen-minute bursts. Therefore, they make easy-to-administer activities several days a week if that is the kind of work your child needs.
Use a grammar handbook. If you or your child’s teacher has identified specific grammatical rules that would benefit your child’s work, assign regular exercises in a grammar activity book. Otherwise have a grammar handbook available to answer questions.
Circle and correct. As you read your child’s letters and compositions, simply circle the words, phrases, or sentences that are not clear or that contain errors. Ask your child to correct the problem. If she does, congratulate her. If she does not, try asking a couple of questions that help direct her to the solution.
Young children usually need help in seeing the intended result of what you want them to do. Remember, this isn’t because they lack intelligence. Children just have not had enough experience to see the outcome in their mind’s eye.
Remember to praise children for their efforts and to offer corrections in a way that shows you have respect for the work they’ve done so far!