English vocabulary is essential for children to begin mastering this language. However, memorizing vocabulary isn't always easy, especially for children who are naturally active. In the following article, Mykingdom will share with you effective ways to learn English vocabulary that help kids remember longer and be able to apply it in practice.
Make daily English vocabulary study a habit
The first method we want to introduce is to turn learning English vocabulary into a daily routine. For example, when the child just wakes up, parents can have them name the objects around them in English.
For instance, when you turn off the alarm clock in the morning, ask your child: "What is the English for alarm clock?" and the child will remember the word "Alarm clock". Then, as you fold the blanket together and leave the bed, you can ask: "What is this blanket? And what is the bed?" to help them remember the words “blanket” and “bed.” In this way, before your child leaves the house, they will have practiced quite a few new words.
Here are some basic vocabulary items:
- Bed: Bed
- Blanket: Blanket
- Pillow: Pillow
- Mirror: Mirror
- Stool: Stool
- Nightstand: Nightstand
- Lamp: Lamp
- Chair: Chair
- Carpet: Carpet
- Alarm clock: Alarm clock
- Floor: Floor
- Wall: Wall
- Bookshelf: Bookshelf
- Window: Window
- Curtain: Curtain
- Vase: Vase
- Plant pot: Plant pot
- Frame: Frame
- Wardrobe: Wardrobe
- Switch: Switch
When children get used to naming objects and actions, you can try talking with them using adjectives and adverbs. For example, instead of just saying "It's hot today," you can express more vividly as "It's scorching weather!" Maintaining this approach to learning English vocabulary through daily activities will help you expand vocabulary and remember longer.
Cách học từ vựng tiếng Anh bằng cách lặp lại ngắt quãng
The "Spaced Repetition" method will be the optimal choice if your child needs to learn a large number of vocabulary words quickly. This is the most effective memory technique, proven by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus. Instead of cramming, parents will guide the child to study gradually and review at golden moments.
For example, if today the child learns 10 new words and immediately reviews them after 1 hour from learning, that means they have deliberately intervened in the forgetting curve. As a result, by tomorrow, instead of remembering only 30% as usual, the child remembers about 75% of what was learned.
Học từ vựng theo chủ đề
Instead of teaching words in a scattered way, you should group vocabulary by theme. For example, if you study the topic "Fridge," your child will learn related words at the same time such as “Vegetables,” “Fruits,” “Ice,” “Drink,” “Egg,”... The approach to learning English vocabulary is very engaging for children; you will see them much more excited after each session.
Note: parents shouldn’t merely talk about it; they should provide detailed notes on vocabulary, meanings, synonyms, antonyms, and usage examples to help the child understand the word more deeply and how to use it in different contexts. Get the first Around the World book for kids to help your child learn by topic.
Học từ vựng qua âm nhạc và phim ảnh
Learning vocabulary through films helps children absorb language naturally. When watching animated films or children's programs, kids hear and see new words in vivid contexts, making them easier to remember. When a word is repeated frequently, the child will remember and pronounce it with the native speaker's intonation.
Music is also an effective tool for teaching vocabulary to children. Children's songs often have catchy melodies, short and repetitive lyrics, helping children quickly grasp and remember new words. When children sing along and dance to the rhythm, they not only learn vocabulary but also develop language and motor skills. You can get your child the Educational Laptop Toy with lights and music which includes many fun English songs for them to play and learn at the same time.
Phương pháp Mnemonics
Mnemonics is a memory technique that links new words with images or stories, strengthening both memory and association for learners. This English vocabulary technique is highly effective for words with little obvious connection.
For example, to remember the words “hot”, “fall down”, “drink”, “tears,” you could tell a story: Today it’s very hot (hot) so Lily wants to buy a drink (drink). Unfortunately, she trips (fall down) and bursts into tears.
Học theo quy tắc "thái dương hệ"
Identify the most important vocabulary first and learn them, then move on to less important words. Learning by this rule helps you focus on the vocabulary most needed in daily communication.
First, identify core vocabulary by determining whether a word is used in everyday life. For example: words like “eat” (ăn), “go” (đi), “happy” (hạnh phúc), “important” (quan trọng) are core vocabulary. Then, help the child create expanding groups of vocabulary with less important words, arranged in decreasing priority, such as words like “serendipity” (a lucky chance) or “quixotic”...
Tập viết để ghi nhớ từ vựng
If the child can write, you can guide them to learn English vocabulary by copying new words. Copying words helps them review and reinforce vocabulary, while also practicing spelling and remembering the word’s meaning.
Nói chuyện với con hoàn toàn bằng tiếng Anh
Learning English vocabulary by talking with your child entirely in English is an effective method to help children develop language skills naturally. When communicating daily in English, children are exposed to vocabulary and sentence structures in real contexts, helping them remember new words more easily and understand how to use them better.
In addition, speaking in English helps children gradually get used to thinking and responding in this language. Through conversations, children have opportunities to practice pronunciation and intonation and reinforce their vocabulary through various everyday life situations, thereby building confidence in using English.
No matter how many English vocabulary learning methods there are, the most important thing is that the method fits your child. So let your child try each approach to see which one they are most interested in. Moreover, learning English vocabulary requires patience and consistent practice; parents should accompany their child in building a sustainable study habit, and you will notice clear progress and greater confidence in your child’s daily use of English.
