JUNE 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 47
CHILDREN’S VOCABULARY DAD’S IMPORTANT ROLE
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PARENTING TIPS
BY ERIN FEALY CUNNINGHAM
Several years ago researchers at the
University of Maryland reported
that fathers have a strong impact on
childrens’ development in language
and vocabulary.
The study led by Kathryn Leech,
published in 2013, indicates that fathers
“ask more 'Wh' questions, and
particularly questions, compared
with mothers.”
This provides children with the
opportunity to use more words to
respond. The findings of the study
importantly conclude that input
from fathers matters for language
development and vocabulary growth
in children.
OUTDOORS WITH DAD
The great outdoors is a wonderful
way to bond with children. The more
exploration fathers and children do
together, the more vocabulary is
used.
Kelly Flink, Director of Early
Childhood at The Green Vale
School in Old Brookville, explains
that by enjoying “outdoor
magic children enhance social
skills, build friendships, reduce
stress, develop their bodies,
build neural connections and
have incredible fun.”
Flink suggests that fathers take
time to ask children what they
love about the outdoors and ask
well-considered and elaborate questions.
For example, Do you hear the
croaking frogs?
Using words that describe helps children
to listen closely, look deliberately,
and observe the world around
them in a special intentional way.
SPORTS WITH DAD
Strike. Catch. Pitch. Hurdle. Offense.
Squash. Vault. Goal. Curling.
Think about these words in isolation.
What comes to mind? Now, think
about these words in the context of a
sport. “Squash” to a racketball player
is a much different word to a chef.
“Vault” is an important word to use
at a bank, but a very different word
in gymnastics.
The context of words matter, and
fathers can be great proponents of
understanding words in different
contexts. While catching a game
together, fathers and children
can discuss the athletic words
and their use in all definitions
outside of sports. Learning all
the various meanings of words
helps children use words in a
diverse way, gain new understandings
of topics, and builds
a robust vocabulary for literacy
growth.
So get talking, dads! Kids are listening.
learning, and gaining literacy skills.
Erin Fealy Cunningham, Ph.D., is an
adjunct professor at Hunter College,
CUNY, and an educational consultant
and literacy specialist
Fathers have a strong impact on their child's
language development. (Getty Images)
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