Foundations for Education Blog
Welcome to my educational blog! Explore peer-reviewed articles, resources, and games to enhance your teaching of reading and math.
The Importance of Vocabulary
12/30/2024
During my time in graduate school, one of the most memorable moments was learning about the importance of vocabulary in early childhood education. I was amazed by how much vocabulary a child needs to know by the time they are five years old to be successful in school. In one of my classes, I learned that at age one, children recognize about 50 words; by age three, they know around 1,000 words; and by age five, they recognize at least 10,000 words (Shipley & McAfee, 2015). This knowledge showed me just how crucial a child’s vocabulary is for their learning and success in school.
Why Vocabulary Matters for Success
Vocabulary is more than just knowing words; it’s about understanding how those words work and using them in different situations. When children have a strong vocabulary, they can talk more easily with others, follow directions, and understand what they’re learning in school. Having a large vocabulary helps children understand what they read, express themselves clearly, and interact with teachers and classmates.
Studies show that children who start school with a smaller vocabulary often struggle with reading and understanding lessons. When children know more words, they can make better connections to what they’re learning, which helps them be more successful in school. Early vocabulary helps children grow their literacy skills and set them up for future academic success.
Technology and Its Effect on Vocabulary
One of the biggest challenges to building a strong vocabulary today is the time children spend on technology. Tablets, phones, and computers are everywhere, and many kids use them for hours each day. While some educational apps and videos can help children learn, too much screen time can hurt their ability to develop important communication skills.
Technology can get in the way of vocabulary development because it takes away time children would otherwise spend talking and interacting with others. Conversations with parents, teachers, and friends help kids learn how to use words and understand their meanings. When children spend too much time in front of screens, they miss out on these valuable opportunities. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of many apps and videos means children may hear simplified language that doesn’t fully help them learn new words.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics (2016) shows that children who have too much screen time, especially under the age of two, can have delays in their speech and language development. It’s clear that too much technology can get in the way of a child’s vocabulary growth.
How Parents Can Help Build Vocabulary
Instead of relying on technology, there are many simple ways parents can help children build their vocabulary and communication skills.
- Talk to Your Child: Talking to your child is one of the best ways to help them learn new words. Describe things around the house, talk about what you’re doing, and ask questions. The more words children hear, the better they will understand them.
- Read Books Together: Reading is a great way to introduce new words to children. Read aloud to your child, and ask questions about the story or pictures. Pointing out new words and explaining them will help your child understand and remember them.
- Play with Your Child: Playtime is a fun way to build vocabulary. Whether it’s playing with toys, doing pretend play, or building something together, kids learn new words while they play. Interactive play also helps them practice using the words they already know.
- Encourage Listening and Imitating: Children learn a lot by listening and imitating others. Encourage your child to listen to what you say and try to repeat words they hear. This helps them practice and use new words in different situations.
- Model Good Communication: Children learn by watching adults, so it’s important to show them how to communicate well. Speak clearly, use a variety of words, and listen carefully to what your child says. This will teach them good communication habits.
Conclusion
Vocabulary is a key part of a child’s success in school and life. The number of words a child knows by the age of five has a big impact on their ability to learn and communicate. But technology can make it harder for children to develop their vocabulary, as it takes away time spent talking and interacting with others. To help their children, parents should focus on having conversations, reading together, and playing with them. By doing these things, parents can help their children build a strong vocabulary and set them up for success in school and beyond.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591
Shipley, K. G., & McAfee, O. G. (2015). Early childhood literacy: The importance of vocabulary. Pearson Education.
Why is Early Childhood Education so Important?
12/29/2024
Early childhood education isn’t just about learning ABCs or 123s. It’s the foundation for everything a child will do in life. Think of it like building a house. If the foundation is strong, the house stands tall. But if the foundation is weak, everything else crumbles. That’s why I believe giving kids a great start in their early years is so important.
Early Learning Builds Strong Foundations
When children are young, their brains are like sponges. They soak up everything around them. Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops by the time they’re five years old? According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, these early years are critical for building the brain’s “architecture” (Harvard University, 2023).
As parents, teachers, and caregivers, we can teach kids foundational skills like recognizing letters, counting numbers, and even sharing toys. These aren’t just skills for school; they’re skills for life. A study by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) found that children who attend high-quality early education programs are more likely to graduate high school and even go to college (NIEER, 2022).
It’s More Than Just Academics
Early childhood education isn’t just about learning facts. It also helps kids develop social skills. Think about those first days of preschool or kindergarten. Kids learn how to wait their turn, listen to others, and work as a team. These skills are just as important as knowing how to count or read.
Children also learn emotional skills during these years. They start to understand how to deal with big feelings like frustration or sadness. I’ve seen firsthand how teaching kids to manage their emotions early can help them build better relationships and thrive in their careers later on. According to the American Psychological Association, children who learn to manage their emotions early are more likely to have better relationships and careers as adults (APA, 2021).
Education Has Changed Over the Years
Education, especially early childhood education, has changed so much over the years. In the past, many children skipped kindergarten or only attended for half a day. Today, we’re seeing significant changes in expectations for our youngest learners. Whether we agree with it or not (and let me tell you, much of kindergarten is not age-appropriate), the shift is undeniable.
The good news is that many students are capable of meeting these newer expectations. While some may struggle, they can still succeed if they have a strong understanding of foundational skills. It’s up to us—as educators, parents, and a community—to support them and help them build that strong base.
What Happens If Foundational Skills Are Missed?
When students don’t fully grasp foundational skills and are moved to the next grade level, it can lead to a cycle of struggles. These gaps in learning make it harder for them to keep up with new material, creating frustration and a lack of confidence. For example, if a child hasn’t mastered basic letter recognition, learning to read becomes much more challenging. This often snowballs into difficulties in other subjects, as reading is a key skill across all areas of learning.
While some students may eventually catch up, others continue to fall further behind without targeted support. That’s why it’s so important to ensure they master these basics early on. With a strong foundation, even students who initially struggle can succeed and thrive.
Setting Up for Lifelong Success
One of the most important things early education does is close the gap between kids who might start out with fewer resources. High-quality early education programs give every child a chance to succeed, no matter where they come from. According to a report from the Brookings Institution, these programs are linked to higher earnings and better health outcomes later in life (Brookings Institution, 2022).
Parents and Teachers Make a Big Difference
Early education is a team effort. Teachers provide the structured environment kids need, while parents can reinforce learning at home. Simple activities like reading bedtime stories, counting toys, or talking about colors during a walk can make a huge difference. We all play a part in creating a world where learning never stops.
Conclusion
Investing in early childhood education is one of the best things we can do for kids. It sets them up for success in school and in life. By focusing on foundational skills, teaching social and emotional growth, and providing equal opportunities for all kids, we’re building a brighter future—one child at a time. Together, we can make a difference.
References
American Psychological Association. (2021). The importance of early childhood education. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org
Brookings Institution. (2022). The long-term benefits of early childhood education. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2023). Brain architecture: How experiences shape early development. Retrieved from https://developingchild.harvard.edu
National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). (2022). Early childhood education impacts. Retrieved from https://nieer.org
Carmen Contos
Educator and Founder