Vocabulary is all the words that children can understand and use. This includes naming things, action words, describing words, ideas, position words etc.
Vocabulary learning can be affected by many things:
- life experience
- speaking and language difficulties
- trouble finding the right word when they need it
- learning to read and write
What you may see
The child may:
- have trouble naming familiar items
- talk about only a few subjects
- talk hesitantly with repetitions or choose the wrong words
- use non-specific words a lot like ‘it, there, that, thingy’
- use a lot of gestures and pointing
- have trouble learning and remembering new words
- talk fluently but without clearly expressing their meaning
Strategies and advice
Basic, everyday vocabulary may need to be checked and specifically taught. Don’t presume the child understands.
Identify key vocabulary items across lessons and clearly teach these, using a multi-sensory approach including pictures, objects, symbols and real experiences.
Recap on key vocabulary and ideas at the end of lessons. Focus on a few words at a time.
Revise new vocabulary regularly.
Display key vocabulary in the classroom using charts, labelled pictures, words and symbols and keep referring to these.
Encourage the child to use description, gestures, signing when they cannot remember a word. For example, what it looks like, what it does, what sound it begins with.
Use personal vocabulary books to encourage practice and revision at home.
Teach vocabulary using:
- a simple definition
- categories and category names
- associations
- description
- similarities and differences
- phonological features (long or short word, number of syllables, the starting sound, rhymes with)
- mind mapping and word webs
- provide opportunities for reinforcement of key words across a range of contexts.
Develop an individual vocabulary book divided into topic areas. Use pictures, symbols, diagrams and simple definitions to explain word meanings.
In individual reading sessions, identify with the child any words not understood.
Encourage older children to monitor their own silent reading by writing down any words they have not understood.
Last reviewed November 2025