Five common myths about building your child’s vocabulary (and what to do instead)
We all want to help our children grow into confident, expressive communicators. But when it comes to vocabulary-building, it’s easy to fall into old traps and tired techniques. Let’s bust a few myths…
Myth 1: Flashcards Are the Fast Track to a Bigger Vocabulary
Reality: Memorising words in isolation might help with short-term recall, but it rarely leads to deep understanding or long-term use. Without real context or practical understanding, flashcard words are mis-used in writing and are easily forgotten.
Try this instead: Explore new words in stories, games or conversations. Use tools like Vocabulatree to dig into the origin of a word and explore where it came from, what it links to and how it’s actually used in everyday language.
Myth 2: Bigger Words = Smarter Children
Reality: Words like ‘exuberant’ and ‘ubiquitous’ are fun, but only if they’re meaningful. A rich vocabulary isn’t just about size. It’s also about flexibility, expression and confidence in using the right word for the moment.
Try this instead: Play the Word Sneak game by slipping in an unexpected word into conversation and encouraging your child to do the same - but only when it fits! The goal isn’t to sound impressive, but to become expressive. Make the game light and fun so learning feels like an adventure rather than a task. Plus, it’s a great way to explore the meaning of a word in context, sparking curiosity and expanding your child's vocabulary without even realising it!
Myth 3: Advanced Reading = Advanced Vocabulary
Reality: Giving your child books above their level might seem like a good idea to expand their vocabulary, but if the text is too difficult to access or enjoy, the words won’t stick and this is when reading becomes a slog, not a spark.
Try this instead: Focus on books that delight and challenge in equal measure. Comics, magazines, graphic novels, online articles and well-written fiction and non-fiction are all fantastic for vocabulary growth. Read aloud together and talk about the words that stand out.
Myth 4: Definitions Are Enough
Reality: ‘What does that mean?’ followed by a dry definition often leads to boredom. Children don’t just need to know what a word means, they need to feel how it’s used, hear it in context and connect it to other ideas.
Try this instead: Build a mini word web: What does the word sound like? When would you use it? What other words is it related to? By exploring the origins and connections of words, children can understand how language evolves and how each word is part of a bigger picture. Vocabulatree shows how words grow, change and connect with one another, making them more than just definitions to memorise.
Myth 5: Kids Will ‘Just Pick It Up’
Reality: Yes, children absorb language naturally, but only when they’re exposed to it in meaningful, repeated ways. Hearing a word once in a rushed conversation isn’t enough. Vocabulary grows through gentle repetition, rich discussion and curiosity-driven play.
Try this instead: Make words part of your everyday life. Go on a vocabulary treasure hunt, play 20 Questions using only adjectives or challenge your child to find five ways to say ‘small’ during dinner. Consistency works.
Final Word:
Building your child’s vocabulary doesn’t have to be about rigid techniques or outdated methods. Instead of relying on quick fixes, focus on creating opportunities for natural, meaningful language exploration. Help your child see language as something dynamic and fun. Let’s move beyond the myths and embrace a more thoughtful, engaging approach to vocabulary growth.