Blogging A to Z: Vocabulary

Reading introduces kids to words that you don’t use in every day conversation. These are sometimes called “rare” words, words your child may not normally encounter. But, you can easily add rare words into your daily conversations. Think about synonyms – rather than, “Let’s go eat!” try using other words for eat such as nibble, chew, feast, etc. Finding rare words in books is not difficult, I bet a bunch of books on your bookshelf include rare words!

One of my favorite examples is a book I was reading in storytime with snakes in it. But, in this case, the snakes were called vipers. This is a perfect example of vocabulary in children’s books.

When you get to this point in a book, ask your child what type of animal it is. They most likely will respond with “Snake!” All you need to do is say, “Yes, that is a snake. In this book, theses snakes are called vipers, they are a specific type of snake.” Super easy, but helps kids make the connection to a word they already know. The next time you go to the zoo, see if you can track down a viper to bring up the word again!

These books are not only fun to read, you may find a word or two that can be added to your child’s vocabulary!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Book List #22 – Vocabulary

1. 100 First Words by DK Publishing
   A great introduction to vocabulary for babies!
2. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
   Picture books are often very poetic and use beautiful language.
3. Everywhere the Cow Says Moo! by Ellen Slusky Weinstein, illustrated by Kenneth Andersson
   Did you know animals make different sounds around the world, but cows always says Moo?
4. Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson
   A little boy and a small bear are both on an adventure, what happens when they meet in the woods?
5. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
   A very silly story about an impatient chicken.
6. McToad Mows Tiny Island: A Transportation Tale by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by John Hendrix
   Looking for more transportation books? This is one of my favorites!
7. Oh, No! by Candace Fleming, illustrated by Eric Rohmann
   Animal names are great vocabulary, introduce your kids to a loris.
8. Old MacDonald Had a Dragon by Ken Baker, illustrated by Christopher Santoro
   A popular song with a new twist!
9. One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
   A fun read-aloud that builds on itself, similar to I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed the Fly.
10. Poetree by Shauna Lavoy Reynolds, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani
    An unexpected friendship develops after Sylvia leaves a poem wrapped around a tree branch.
11. Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Kenard Pak
    A beautiful story about using your sense.
12. Twilight Chant by Holly Thompson, illustrated by Jen Betton
    Learn the meaning of crepuscular animals – animals that are awake at dawn and dusk.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.

For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!