Research shows that children learn vocabulary through interactions in their every day life. Children can learn new words by simply being exposed to language, by hearing others communicate, as well as finding new words in a text. However, some words still need to be taught; here we must find a balance. “Children learn the meanings of most words indirectly, through everyday experiences with oral and written language… Some vocabulary should be taught directly. Direct instruction is particularly effective for teaching difficult words representing complex concepts that are not part of the children’s everyday experiences.” (Sousa, 2014, p. 96-96).
Most importantly, students need to be active learners in this process. Vocabulary work should be interesting, fun and not just a passive drill. “Children need to explore words and learn how words work so they can use this information effectively and efficiently in reading and writing.” (Pinnell, G., & Fountas, I., 1998, p.3). The more knowledge students have about word meanings, the better they will be able to comprehend text and communicate more effectively, both in reading and writing. “The ultimate goal in reading is for children to become sufficiently fluent to understand what they read.” (Sousa, 2014, p.95).