Building a Strong Writing Vocabulary

A strong writing vocabulary does not develop overnight.

Children build their vocabulary gradually as they hear words, read words, talk about words and begin using words in their own writing.

For young children, this can start with very simple everyday words.

The aim is not to give children hundreds of difficult words to memorise. It is to help them become comfortable with familiar words and gradually expand the words they can read, spell and use.

Start With Everyday Words

The best place to begin is with words children already know.

Words such as:

• Mum
• Dad
• Dog
• Cat
• Sun
• Red
• Big
• Run
• Play
• Look

are part of children's everyday experiences.

When children understand the meaning of a word, hear it spoken and then see and write it, they are making connections between spoken and written language.

Build From Simple Words

Children do not need to start with complicated vocabulary.

Simple words provide an important foundation.

CVC words such as cat, dog, sun, map, hop and bed are useful early words because children can practise hearing the individual sounds and connecting them with letters.

Once children become confident with simple words, you can gradually introduce longer and more challenging words.

Our guide on the importance of CVC words for early readers explains why these simple words are useful during early reading development.

Parents can also find phonics and CVC learning resources selected for their Australian state on our Phonics & CVC Resources by State for Aussie Families page.

Use Word Families

Word families are another useful way to build vocabulary.

• cat – hat – mat – sat
• hop – mop – top – stop
• bed – red – fed

Children begin to notice that words can share similar sounds and letter patterns.

This can make reading and spelling new words easier because children are not starting from scratch every time they meet a new word.

Talk About Words

Vocabulary development does not only happen when children are writing.

Talking is one of the simplest ways to introduce new words.

When reading a story together, stop occasionally to discuss an unfamiliar word.

Ask:

"What do you think that word means?"

You can explain the word, use it in another sentence and encourage your child to use it themselves.

The more children hear and use words, the more familiar those words become.

Read Together Regularly

Reading exposes children to words they may not hear during everyday conversations.

Picture books, simple readers and stories can all introduce new vocabulary in a natural way.

Talk about what is happening in the story and point out interesting words.

You do not need to explain every unfamiliar word. Choose a few words that are useful or interesting and talk about them together.

Write New Words

Once your child has heard and understood a new word, give them an opportunity to write it.

This might be as simple as writing the word rain after talking about rainy weather, or writing farm after reading a story about animals.

Writing helps children connect the word they know with the letters that represent it.

It also gives them an opportunity to practise spelling and handwriting at the same time.

Gradually Expand Their Vocabulary

As children become comfortable with familiar words, gradually introduce new ones.

For example, instead of always using big, you might introduce large.

Instead of happy, you might talk about being excited or cheerful.

The goal is not to replace simple words. It is to help children understand that there are many different ways to describe people, objects, actions and ideas.

Give Children Opportunities to Use Words

Children need opportunities to use their growing vocabulary, not just recognise it.

• Write a sentence about a picture
• Label objects in a drawing
• Describe something they have done
• Write about a favourite animal
• Use a new word in a sentence

Keep the writing appropriate for your child's age and ability. A few meaningful words are more useful than asking a young child to write a long paragraph.

Keep Building Vocabulary Through Everyday Life

You do not need special lessons to build a strong writing vocabulary.

Talk while cooking. Read signs while you are out. Name objects around the house. Discuss what you see at the park. Read together before bed. Ask your child questions and encourage them to describe what they see.

Everyday conversations give children opportunities to hear and use language.

When those words are then connected to reading, spelling and writing, children gradually develop a stronger foundation for written language.

Building Vocabulary Takes Time

A strong writing vocabulary develops gradually through repeated exposure and use.

Start with words your child knows, build through simple CVC words and word families, introduce new vocabulary through reading and conversation, and give your child opportunities to use those words in writing.

The goal is not to see how many words a child can memorise.

The goal is to help children understand, recognise, spell and confidently use words as their writing develops.

Support Writing Skills at Home

Regular writing practice gives children opportunities to use the words they are learning while also developing handwriting and spelling skills.

Our reusable Writeboard gives children a simple way to practise words again and again. Children can write, wipe their work away and try again, making it easy to build regular practice into everyday learning.

Combined with reading, conversation and phonics activities, simple writing practice can help children gradually build the vocabulary they need to become confident writers.

Choose your Australian state and find learning resources to support your child's handwriting, phonics, reading, spelling and writing development.