One fun way I've introduced new language and vocabulary to my 20-month-old daughter, L, is through Vocabulary Baskets. Vocabulary Baskets are a way to help toddlers start to see that 3D objects can be represented by a 2D image.
A Vocabulary Basket is basically a basket or bin filled with realistic-looking themed objects and matching, labeled cards. The objects can be anything, but I usually choose a category and stick with it for each set. For example, we've had Vocabulary Baskets with all different kinds of fruit, another one with a variety of musical instruments, and another with numerous office objects. You can create these baskets off of your little learner's interests ranging from a variety of birds to different kinds of aircraft. It's fun to get creative with it! We only focus on one Vocabulary Basket at a time.
Our most recent Vocabulary Basket's theme was BUGS! I purchased a set of realistic-looking bugs from Wild Republic. You can find them here. I then took pictures, printed them, and labeled them. I chose to laminate the cards, but you don't have to. I put the cards and bugs in a basket and let L explore. (Note: The point in labeling is not because I expect my one-year-old to read them. It's simply to expose her to the early concept of print- things have names and we can use letters to write those names). I realize creating these cards can be time-consuming, so I created this to help get you started on your first Vocabulary Basket.
Vocabulary Baskets are a great way to supplement a "3-period lesson." A 3-period lesson is a trademark of Montessori education. It is a method I first learned about while studying Montessori in college. Montessori teachers, particularly primary teachers, are encouraged to use three components when introducing new vocabulary and concepts to a child. The three key steps include naming, recognition, and recall.
Let's take a look at what a 3-period lesson might look like using L's Vocabulary Basket of bugs.
1. First Period: Name the object.
For example, pick up the fly and say "fly." Feel around the fly, model looking at all the details of the fly. Offer the fly to your toddler to explore. Repeat "fly" multiple times, rather than talking about the sound a fly might make, or other long sentences. Repeat this with each bug in the basket.
2. Second Period: Play games.
You'll play games to see which bug names your child knows, even before they are verbal. This might look something like this:
"Let's find the picture that matches the grasshopper."
"Can you find me the butterfly?"
"Pick a card. Which picture is it? Can you find the bug that matches the picture?"
While playing, make mental notes of which bugs that your little learner needs more practice with. Return to the first period to practice as needed.
If your child makes a mistake or gets something wrong, it's important to not make a huge deal over it. You want to keep the learning environment positive. Make a mental note to come back and reteach at a more neutral time. You can definitely correct your learner at the moment, but try to do it in a gentle way. For example, if I asked L to find a Blue Long-Horned Beetle and she picked up the wrong type of beetle, I would simply say something like, "Oh you wanted to show me the Rhinocerous Beetle." I would make a mental note to come back to focus on the different beetle types another time.
3. Third Period: Testing "What is this?"
This section is usually skipped for children under 3 unless you have an extremely verbal child. I haven't "tested" L on bug names yet, but I have tried this step out with other very familiar baskets (like her fruit basket).
Vocabulary Baskets are fun! They can help teach new language and vocabulary to toddlers. They don't have to be a formal "lesson" with steps, however, keeping the 3-period lesson in mind can be helpful when trying to make the most out of them. My favorite part is stepping back and watching L explore these baskets on her own. I love watching her line the cards up and matching the objects to them (continuing to develop her visual discrimination- which you can read more about here).
What unique Vocabulary Basket themes do you have? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! I hope you continue to follow along to find (and share!) inspiration, information, and innovation! :-) Have a great weekend everyone!
Comments