Build them up! - The power of words

A good vocabulary, like good biceps, must be developed.

Just as a spectacular physique is the result of a long, hard grind, a wide and expressive vocabulary comes only after a long immersion, almost a love affair, with the written word.

That extensive, focussed reading also helps build understanding, communication, comprehension, and the power to express ideas are just some of the powerful arguments for encouraging young, developing and inquisitive minds to embrace the written word, no matter which format is used to deliver it.

Britain’s Institute of Education have concluded children who are habitual readers build a strong, wide-ranging vocabulary. Even if this is stating the obvious it is a point worth reflecting on as so many of the ways young people use time today are image rather than word driven. Grand Theft Auto or Minecraft may be exciting and rewarding but they are not the best way to develop a powerful vocabulary. Never before were so many good books so freely available. Every child should be encouraged to use them.