The importance of learning proper grammar and developing a rich vocabulary is immeasurable. Language, through both writing and speech is our primary means of communication. To adequately convey a message, both must be acquired to a certain degree. The best way for a child to gain these skills is by reading. Of course, this is a general guideline. The key to developing beneficial reading habits in a child is to find a book that suits their reading level and be sure they are engaged enough to want to read others.
Vocabulary
The best way to improve a child’s vocabulary is to expose them to a multitude of words. You don’t need to worry about which words they pick up on, they will gain the words themselves naturally through aural repetition. When speaking to the child, be sure to elaborate on observations. When it’s time for dinner, don’t just say so – say “It’s time for dinner. Dinner is yummy and after it comes desert.” Your child may also make a statement to which you can elaborate. If you child points out a dog, say “Dogs are soft and furry. They bark and wag their tails.” When your child grows a little older, it will also prove beneficial to teach them about the Greek and Latin roots to words. For example, bi or di at the beginning of a word generally involves two of something. When a child encounters a word for the first time with that prefix, they will have better ability to determine its meaning. The same applies to suffixes. Knowledge of a single word can become a multitude if a child simply learns the various ways it can be used in speech. Of course, you can also expose children to dictionaries and thesauri.
Identifying and Using Proper Grammar
The first step in learning grammar is basic knowledge of the parts of speech: nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, etc. Knowing which words fit into the different categories should help a child to form a sentence properly. There are other steps to learning proper grammar too. One aspect of the English language that even some adults struggle with is using proper articles. Simply understanding when it is appropriate to use a, an or the is key to intellectual fluency. Another key idea is the difference between singular and plural words and when it is appropriate to use each. Likewise, when these pluralities are possessive, children of a certain age should understand where to place an apostrophe.
Reading Level
As a child grows, so too does his or her reading level. The picture books of earlier years may no longer challenge a child; however some chapter books may be complex and frustrating. The key is to find a book that suits your child’s reading capabilities, providing at least somewhat of a challenge. One popular method of finding the right book is the “five finger” method. Let your child choose a book, or find one based on their interests (if children are going to develop reading skills, they should be engaged by the content). Select a passage of about one hundred words from a book and have your child read it aloud. Each time they make a mistake, hold up one finger. With one hundred words, your child should make about five errors. If they make fewer mistakes, the book is likely too easy and will not be stimulating or provide enough of a challenge. If they make more, the book may be too difficult for the child at this time.
Improving Fluency when Reading
Many people might not understand the difference between reading fluency and reading comprehension. Comprehension is the ability to understand what is being read. Fluency is the ability to understand what is being read at a certain pace. Having to look up numerous words may help a child comprehend a text, but if their reading is disrupted too often then they aren’t fluent enough in the language used in the book. The best way to improve fluency is by reading more and more. Gaining vocabulary and understanding the meaning of a sentence are the foundations of reading fluency. Most second graders will not be able to read a ninth grade book fluently, but over time (by reading books more suited to their age) they will gain the comprehension necessary to do so.
Cultivate Positive Reading Habits
Children are given access to libraries, learn in classrooms loaded with books and many have a plethora of books at home. However, many neglect reading to pursue other hobbies and interests. It is important for a child’s physical fitness to play outside or practice sports, but some of the time they spend with toys, games and television could be spent developing literacy skills. A book doesn’t need to be critically acclaimed and its subject matter does not need to be educational. If a child is reading, they have the potential to learn. Even the most casual books feature words that a child may fail to identify at first; words they will learn based on context clues. One of the best ways to make children want to read is by reading yourself. If your child sees you reading, whether it’s a book, a recipe or even a magazine, they will enticed to do the same. When your child does read, ask him or her about what they have read. Knowing that you’re interesting in the exciting details will encourage them to read more so they have more to share later.