How to Build Vocabulary Using Books You Already Own

(Optimised for Yoast: varied sentence starters + strong transition-word use)

You don’t need flashcards, worksheets, or expensive resources to grow your child’s vocabulary. In fact, the books already sitting on your shelf are some of the best tools you can use. Whether it’s a bedtime favourite or a well-loved picture book, every story offers simple opportunities to introduce new words and strengthen your child’s understanding.

Here’s how to turn any book into a vocabulary-boosting activity.

1. Choose One or Two “Target Words” Per Book

Start by keeping things simple. Select one or two words from the story that you want your child to learn. Great target words include:

Describing words: big, tiny, soggy, shiny, noisy
Action words: climb, chase, whisper, splash
Feeling words: worried, excited, proud
Location words: under, behind, between

Instead of teaching every unfamiliar word, focus on a few repeated, meaningful ones. This makes learning easier and more effective.

2. Use Variations (Slightly Different Ways to Say the Same Thing)

Variations help children understand how ideas appear in different sentences.
For example, if the target word is run, you could say:

“He’s running!”
“Wow, he’s running fast!”
“Look, he’s going for a run outside.”
“He ran all the way home.”

Similarly, if the word is tiny, try:

“That’s a tiny bug.”
“Such a little, tiny creature!”
“It’s smaller than your fingernail — so tiny.”

By hearing words used flexibly, children learn deeper meaning and natural use.

3. Use Expansions (Build on What Your Child Says)

Whenever your child says a word or short phrase, expand on it to model richer language.
For instance:

Child: “Dog!”
Adult: “Yes, a big brown dog!”

Child: “He’s sad.”
Adult: “He’s sad because he lost his toy.”

As a result, children learn new vocabulary inside sentences they already understand.

4. Pause the Story for Quick, Fun Questions

Questions don’t need to feel like a quiz. Instead, keep them playful, open-ended, and connected to the pictures.

For toddlers & early talkers:

“Where’s the __?”
“What’s he doing?”
“Which one is big/small?”
“Can you find the ___?”

For preschoolers:

“Why do you think she’s scared?”
“What might happen next?”
“How else could he get across?”
“What else is something that floats?”

For early school-aged children:

“What does that word mean?”
“Can you think of another word for ___?”
“When have you felt ___?”

Because these questions build meaning (not memorisation), they support comprehension and vocabulary growth at the same time.

5. Bring the Words Into Real Life

Children learn best when words appear in their everyday routines.
For example:

If the target word is splash, use it at bath time:
“Make a splash!”
“That was a huge splash!”
If the word is proud, use it across the week:
“I’m proud of how you packed your bag today.”

Consequently, your child hears the same word in different contexts, helping it stick.

6. Re-read the Same Book

Repetition is powerful. Each re-read gives your child another chance to hear the new words, connect them to the story, and deepen understanding. Although adults may tire of the same story, children thrive on repetition — and it greatly boosts vocabulary.

FAQ — Building Vocabulary With Books

1. How many new words should I teach per book?

It’s best to choose just one or two words. Children learn more effectively when the focus is small and repeated.

2. What types of words help build vocabulary?

Action words, describing words, location words, and feeling words are excellent choices because children hear and use them often.

3. Do I need special flashcards or resources?

No. Books you already own are enough, and everyday conversations help even more.

4. How do I keep my child interested while reading?

Follow their lead, point to pictures they enjoy, pause to ask playful questions, and use words that match their interests.

5. Is it okay to read the same book over and over?

Yes! Re-reading is one of the best ways to build vocabulary. Repetition helps children learn new words more deeply.

6. What if my child won’t answer questions?

That’s completely fine. You can still model language by talking about the pictures, commenting on actions, and using the target words naturally.

7. How do I help my child use new words outside the book?

Try using the same words during daily routines — bath time, meals, playtime, or car rides. Real-life repetition makes the words stick.

8. Can older children use these strategies too?

Absolutely. Simply adjust your questions to include more “why,” “how,” and “predict what happens next” prompts.

9. How do I know which words are right for my child?

Your speech pathologist can recommend target words based on your child’s age, language level, and learning goals.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need complicated activities to build vocabulary. With just a few small tweaks, everyday story time becomes a rich language-learning moment. If you’d like personalised book recommendations or vocabulary targets matched to your child’s level, your speech pathologist is always happy to help.

Call: 0412 256 656

Location: Unit 1 595 canning Hwy Alfred Cove

Build Vocabulary With Books: Simple Strategies Using Stories You Already Own | Perth Speech Therapy