The Preschooler

Nursery Rhyme Vocabulary

By now, most people have heard at least one of the public service announcements describing how it is important to talk to your child in regular, complete sentences as opposed to the “baby talk” many people tend to begin using in the presence of a little one.  Children learn by example, so when they hear adults talking with correct grammar and sentence structure, they begin to mimic these concepts when they initiate speech themselves.  This is also true when it comes to vocabulary.  If a child is exposed to a wide array of words, he will be able to understand and use those words in his own speaking and writing.  A large vocabulary will also make him a better reader.

It is fairly easy to talk to your child using the correct language concepts.  However, it can be more difficult to consciously use new vocabulary words while speaking to your child.  One way to expose your child to new words is through the use of nursery rhymes.  Most nursery rhymes were written during a time when a different set of vocabulary were commonly used.  Pay attention the next time you read or listen to a nursery rhyme with your child.  What words are in the rhyme that are not regularly used today or may be challenging for a young child to understand.  For example, after reading “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, ask your child if he understands what “fleece” is.  If possible, have your child draw a picture to represent the new word so that he will better remember it in the future.

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Written by BRWI Staff on February 1, 2010