Vocabulary Questions
Here's What To Do
Encourage your child to ask questions about new words they hear, or new things they see.
Answer their questions in a child-friendly way based on the context (e.g. by pointing to a book’s illustrations). Or, find out the answer together!
Watch your child become more comfortable asking questions as they see you and other family members asking questions and receiving answers in a supportive and welcoming way.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Pick up on cues, like your child’s body language and expressions, to notice when they might have a question or be curious about something.
Engage:
- “Let’s read a new book. If you hear new words and aren’t sure what they mean you can ask me.”
- “What could you say if you don’t understand that word?”
Encourage:
- If you see your child looking curious or confused about something you said, or they point to something new, help them to come up with the question.
- “Your face looks a little confused. You can ask, ‘What does ___ mean?’”
Reflect:
- What kinds of questions do you like to ask the most?
Not quite ready?
If your child isn’t able or ready to say a phrase or sentence to ask a question, pick up on their cues and model how to ask the question without having them repeat after you. You can also introduce one word they might be able to ask such as, “what?”
Ready for more?
After answering your child’s question about a new vocabulary word, incorporate the word into conversations and encourage your child to do the same.
As your child masters this skill...
They will ask questions about new vocabulary.