Learning through stories (part 4) - Vocabulary

Books expose your child to lots of new words and connect words to objects, experiences and feelings. You can help your child's understanding by pointing out and naming things on a page. Add sounds, such as "brumm brumm" as you point to a car to add to the fun and link words to pictures. Use your voice and body language, too, to reinforce concepts such as big, small, quiet or loud. All of this increases your baby's vocabulary, which in turn improves cognitive skills and lays the foundation for doing well at school later on.

Don't worry if words or thoughts seem beyond your baby's understanding. Immersing your baby in language and ideas is the best possible start for them.