Why Learning New Words Is Important

Every word you know is like a tool in a toolbox. The more words (tools) you have, the more you can do! Vocabulary means all the words you know and understand. Having a big vocabulary helps you read better, write better, speak better, and understand more.

Words Are Everywhere#

New words come from:

• Books and stories — every book you read has new words in it
• Conversations — people you talk to may use words you haven't heard before
• TV and videos — shows and documentaries introduce new vocabulary
• School lessons — teachers explain new words all the time
• Labels and signs — words are everywhere in the world around you

Why a Big Vocabulary Helps#

For reading: When you know more words, you understand stories better and more easily.

For writing: Knowing many words lets you choose the best word for what you want to say.

For speaking: More words means you can express your ideas more clearly and precisely.

For listening: Knowing many words means you understand more of what others say to you.

Your Vocabulary Grows Every Day#

The exciting thing is that your vocabulary grows a little bit every single day! Every new book, every new conversation, every new experience teaches you new words.

A first grader knows about 5,000 to 6,000 words. By the time you finish school, you might know 50,000 words or more! That is an amazing amount of growth.

Making New Words Stick#

When you hear a new word:

1. Listen to how it sounds.
2. Think about what it might mean.
3. Ask if you are not sure.
4. Use the new word yourself — in a sentence!

Using a new word in a sentence is the best way to remember it. Your brain holds onto words that it uses. Keep growing your vocabulary — one new word at a time!