How can teachers support vocabulary development in early readers?

Supporting vocabulary development in early readers is most effectively achieved through providing rich verbal interactions and explicit instruction. This approach enables learners to engage deeply with new words in meaningful contexts. Through verbal interactions, teachers can model language use, explain word meanings, and encourage students to ask questions and explore vocabulary in conversation. Explicit instruction involves teaching vocabulary directly, using strategies such as teaching word roots, synonyms, and antonyms, as well as providing opportunities for students to use new words in speech and writing.

This combination not only helps students learn new words but also fosters a more profound understanding of how words function within language, thereby enhancing their overall language skills and reading comprehension. Engaging students through dialogue and explicit teaching ensures that vocabulary is not just memorized but can be integrated into their everyday language use, which is critical for their development as proficient readers.