How would you describe how you’re feeling right now?
If you’re sad, maybe you’re actually nostalgic, ashamed, heartbroken or blue. If you’re happy, maybe you’re content, elated, cheerful or gleeful.
Notice how all these “fancy” words contain nuances far beyond what simpler words can convey. If you understand what all of those words mean, consider yourself fortunate to have a decent vocabulary.
Some years ago, I volunteered at an adult literacy center to teach reading to adults. The center was crowded every night with smart, hard-working adults who despite their many skills and abilities, could not read or write. I remember a conversation with one woman after class, as she shared some challenges she faced in her personal life. I was struck by her simple, factual descriptions and asked her, “But how did that make you feel?”
She thought quietly until the silence grew awkward. I thought I’d gotten too personal and started to apologize, but she cut me off. “No, I don’t have the words. Like the words we learned in class today, now I got new words to say what’s in here,” she said, pointing to her head. “But I don’t know enough words to say what’s in here,” she added, pointing to her heart.
That’s not the last time I heard a sentiment like that, nor the first time I saw someone’s frustration mount because they could not communicate their thoughts and feelings. They didn’t have the words.
Even people with an expansive vocabulary struggle to convey their ideas accurately, but they certainly fare better than someone who has fewer “materials” to work with. One of the best ways to expand vocabulary is to read many books often, and no time is more important than the formative years of childhood.
In a 2019 study, researchers found that children whose parents read five books per day to them entered kindergarten having heard over a million more words than children whose parents did not read to them. Not only were these read-to children exposed to a wider vocabulary, but they also heard those words over and over again, cementing them in their brains. Since school learning is largely based on reading comprehension, children whose parents read to them regularly have a tremendous advantage even before they learn to read printed words themselves.
Fortunately, it doesn’t take a lot of money or time to read to your children. Borrow a wide array of children’s picture books from your public library at no cost. Ask a librarian to help you find the right titles. Reading at least one book before bedtime, even the same book over and over (children thrive on repetition!), can have long-term benefits.
The illiterate adults I worked with had one thing in common – no one read to them as children. At the public library, we’re determined that our Botetourt youth will be set up for better success. Give us a call, we’re happy to find the right books for you and your child to enjoy together!
~ Julie Phillips
Library Director
