Building Vocabulary at Home: Simple Strategies for Growing Word Knowledge

Why Is Vocabulary Important?

You may have heard the saying, words have power. Whether your child is reading below, on, or above grade level, vocabulary is almost always an area where growth is needed. Research shows that vocabulary is one of the most challenging components of national assessments and frequently appears as an area of need for students across grade levels.

Right now, many children are working in nonfiction reading and writing units at school. So how can caregivers support this work at home—especially when vocabulary is one of the hardest areas to teach and reinforce?

This month’s tip offers three simple strategies families can use to build stronger vocabulary at home, even when there are multiple children at different ages. We’ll look at:

1. Why building vocabulary and knowledge matters

2. How to help children learn and understand new words

3. How to create a fun and meaningful Topical Text Set to grow vocabulary and background knowledge together as a family

Why Building Vocabulary and Knowledge Matters

Building vocabulary is directly linked to comprehension. Simply put:

The stronger a child’s vocabulary, the easier it is for them to understand what they read.

Additionally:

• Building background knowledge deepens comprehension

• Connected text sets increase engagement, build confidence, and strengthen reading stamina

• Repeated exposure to words in meaningful contexts helps new vocabulary “stick”

Vocabulary growth doesn’t happen through memorizing lists — it happens through curiosity, conversation, and connection.

Strategies for Learning New Words at Home

1. Build Word Consciousness

Encourage your child to notice and play with words. Talk about interesting words you see in books, signs, or conversations. Wonder together about meanings. This keeps vocabulary learning joyful rather than task-like.

See Launch books for more guidance.

2. Encourage Questions

Celebrate when children ask, “What does this word mean?”

We do not want kids to skip or guess when they see unfamiliar words. Developing a habit of asking about words is key to lifelong learning.

3. Use Kid-Friendly Definitions

Avoid dictionary-style definitions — they can be overly complex. Tools like kids.wordsmyth.net provide clear, child-friendly meanings. During reading, aim to “pop out” 3–5 new words per book or chapter. Make it light, natural, and fun.

Connecting Words Through Topical Text Sets

A Topical Text Set is a collection of texts, media, and conversations all centered around one topic. This helps children build vocabulary in ways that feel connected and meaningful.

You do not need to travel or buy special materials — any topic your family enjoys works.

Below is an example using a family trip to Boston as the topic.

Step-by-Step Boston Text Set Example

Step 1: Multimodal Text (Video)

Search a short introductory video to spark interest and build foundational knowledge.
Example: “Best of Boston: Top Ten Things to Do in Boston” (focus on the first 45 seconds)

Step 2: Hook Text (Motivation & Interest)

Choose a book that makes the topic exciting.

Example: Larry Gets Lost in Boston

”Join Larry the pup and his owner Pete as they explore Boston—from Fenway Park to the swan boats. As Larry searches for Pete, he visits Quincy Market, the Freedom Trail, Boston Harbor, and more. This colorful story blends fun and facts, delighting and educating young readers.”

Step 3: Start Here Text (Background Knowledge)

Select an easier informational text to provide basics.

Example: Kid’s Travel Guide to Boston

This book begins with, “Congratulations, you’re going on a trip to Boston!” It has clear photos with short, kid-friendly captions. There’s an easy map that helps kids see where places are in the city. The book also includes fun, hands-on activities. It’s a great way for kids to start learning about Boston and build background knowledge before the trip.

Step 4: Target Text (Complex Understanding)

Pick a more challenging text suited to your child’s age:

• 5-year-old: Alphabet Adventures in Boston: A Historic City Tour

• 7-year-old: Team Time Machine Joins the Boston Tea Party

• 9-year-old: What Was the Boston Tea Party?

• Family Bonus Book: Hey Kids! Let’s Visit Boston“Learn all about Boston through this fun reading experience. Perfect for trip preparation or for curious kids wanting to explore the city from home.”

Step 5: Extend Vocabulary at Home

Create a Family Word Bank with reusable, meaningful words connected to your topic.

Boston Tea Party Example Words:
peaceful • protest • independence • monopoly • liberty • patriots • revolution • taxation • revolt • disguise • Boston Harbor • boycott • loyalists • dumped

Ways to use your Family Word Bank:

• Add words to a Vocabulary Wall

• Make illustrated word cards

• Sort words by category (people, actions, ideas)

• Use ChatGPT to generate kid-friendly definitions and practice sentences

A Final Word to Families

Vocabulary grows through exposure, conversation, curiosity, and repeated use. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be present and willing to pause and wonder with your child.

Small word moments today build strong readers tomorrow.

Resources:

JOYcabulary: The above curated group of texts around Boston comes from Topical Text Sets.