If you have been with the Signing Time crew for a while, you know we’re all about words. October 16 is Dictionary Day, and it’s a perfect reason to celebrate the joy of words! You might not want to sit down with your preschooler and read a big hardcover dictionary. But you can take this opportunity to spark their curiosity and help them develop a love for language in ways that feel fun and natural. So here are a few ways to celebrate dictionary day with your preschooler!
The Magic of Words for Our Little Ones
Every day, our kids are learning new words, building a little collection in their minds. When they learn a new word, they’re not just adding to their vocabulary; they’re learning how to describe feelings, tell stories, and share ideas. Dictionary Day is a great reminder to think about the words that we use, play with language, and notice how words affect our days.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Dictionary Day with Your Preschooler
Learn the Sign
Let’s start by learning the ASL sign for word!
Word of the Day
See if you and your kids can choose a really great word to explore together! It could be simple, like sparkle, puddle, whisper, or giggle. Or it could be over the top, like marvelous, discombobulation, radiance, or chuckle. Talk about what it means, act it out, draw it, or find it in a story. Then try to use that word in conversation or playtimes throughout the day.
Storytime Word Hunt
During storytime, listen for new or silly words. As you find them, take a moment to talk about them and help your child know what they mean. Books are full of vivid words that make learning fun while helping our kids add to the word database in their minds.
Make a Mini Word Wall
It could be fun to turn a small space on your fridge or a bulletin board into your own word wall. As your child learns new or interesting words, you can add them to the wall with a picture or drawing beside it. Before long, you’ll have your own colorful dictionary of your kid’s favorite words.
Invent-a-Word Game
We know our preschoolers love to be creative. So to celebrate dictionary day with your preschooler, see if they can invent a word. Try asking questions like, “What would you call a blanket that’s super soft?” or “What’s a silly name for a crunchy snack?” It’s likely that we’ll be surprised at what they can come up with. And while they make up words, they will be learning how words are built.
Sing and Rhyme
Songs and rhymes help kids hear the rhythm of language. So we can try some rhyming games, like asking our kids what rhymes with ______. Or try singing songs that are full of playful or rhyming words. Rhymes help our little ones notice sounds and patterns, and these are important early literacy skills. You can find some help in this area with the Phonics and Nursery Rhymes shows over at My Signing Time.
These are just a few ways to celebrate Dictionary Day with your preschooler. You may have thought of other ways to celebrate too. Either way, this celebration of words doesn’t have to end with Dictionary Day. You can add word play into your everyday life, just like all the other educational stuff. It can become second nature, and it’s so effective in teaching our kids.
Each silly word, rhyme, or curious question is part of your child’s language journey. So find a way to have fun as you celebrate Dictionary Day with your preschooler!