Have you ever thought about how teaching vocabulary in special
education differs from general
education? At first glance, the difference may seem small—but in reality,
it’s what defines us as special educators. It also determines how
effectively a child learns and remembers new words in the classroom.
Typically developing children naturally absorb hundreds of
words each week. But our goal as Speech-Language
Pathologists (SLPs) isn’t just to expose children to more words—it’s to
teach them how to build vocabulary so they can remember, retrieve, and
use language more effectively.
Let’s start with a metaphor and then dive into 10 ways SLPs
build vocabulary that goes beyond memorization—and helps kids truly learn
how to learn.
The House Metaphor
Imagine two students learning the same weekly list of 30
vocabulary words. One learns them with ease, using the words in sentences and
connecting them to other ideas. The other student struggles to memorize them
and often forgets them shortly after.
What’s the difference?
The first child has a solid internal “structure”—they
naturally relate new words to what they already know: experiences, categories,
emotions, and functions. The second child might try to memorize the word as a
sound or image, but without those internal connections, the word has nowhere to
stick.
Think of vocabulary learning like building a house. The
words are the doors, windows, and furniture. But without a well-built frame,
none of it stays in place. As SLPs, we’re the framers—we build the
cognitive structure that makes vocabulary learning possible.
10 Ways to Build Vocabulary Like an SLP
Here’s how we help children build that structure—and how you
can too.
- Teach
Categories First
Group words into categories like animals, clothing, or tools.
Understanding categories helps children organize and retrieve vocabulary
quickly. - Use
Visuals and Semantic Maps
Help students make connections between new words and what they already
know. A simple semantic map (word webs) shows how a word relates to
categories, synonyms, antonyms, and functions. - Focus
on Relationships
Explore how words relate to one another. For example, “cold” is the
opposite of “hot,” and “bark” can be both a tree’s outer layer and the
sound a dog makes. - Highlight
Attributes
Describe what makes a word unique—its size, color, shape, texture, and
more. The word “apple” becomes richer when paired with “round,” “red,”
“sweet,” and “fruit.” - Teach
Word Functions
Knowing what something does strengthens word understanding.
“Scissors cut,” “cars drive,” “brooms sweep.” - Incorporate
Real-Life Experiences
Learning sticks when paired with action. Don’t just say the word—use it
during cooking, playing, or going outside. Turn passive learning into
hands-on discovery. - Create
Emotional Connections
Emotion deepens memory. If “brave” is introduced while reading about a
heroic character, it resonates more. Ask how students feel when they hear
or use certain words. - Use
Repetition in Different Contexts
The more a child hears and uses a word in different scenarios, the more
likely they are to retain it. Use the same word during play, reading, and
conversation. - Embed
Vocabulary in Stories
Narratives are powerful. When vocabulary appears in a story, it gains
context and meaning. This not only builds comprehension but also aids
memory. - Model
Curiosity About Words
Be a word detective! Ask, “What does this word remind you of?” or “What
else could it mean?” Encouraging curiosity builds lifelong learners.
Build Vocabulary. Build Confidence.
SLPs don’t just teach words—we teach children how to
learn words. When a child knows how to connect, categorize, and relate to
vocabulary, they can generalize that skill across subjects and settings.
So, whether you’re a teacher, therapist, or parent, think
like an SLP: focus on structure, not just surface-level learning.
Want to learn more strategies to support language
development?
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