The 'million word gap': the reason some children have a higher vocabulary than others

Researchers at Ohio State University have found children who are read five books per day before heading to school have heard a million more words than those who aren't read to regularly.

Lead author and assistant professor of educational studies Jessica Logan says this is the difference between children being ready to read when they start school, and starting from behind.

The 'million word gap': the reason some children have a higher vocabulary than others 1557304298389

The 'million word gap': the reason some children have a higher vocabulary than others 1557304298389

It's a deficit Queensland teacher librarian of the year Megan Daley sees every day. Daley has just released a book Raising Readers about the importance – and the joy – of reading with kids.

"Reading opens doorways for young people," she says. There is so much anecdotal evidence and academic research on the benefits of reading in terms of academic success in later life.

As importantly, reading contributes to the emotional health of children - allowing them to connect with characters and situations like their own and feel like they are not alone or 'walk in the shoes' of others. Reading develops empathy for others and and it gives security, guidance and advice in our own lives.

http://www.essentialkids.com.au/education/school/preschool/the-million-word-gap-the-reason-some-children-have-a-higher-vocabulary-than-others-20190506-h1e5cf

The 'million word gap': the reason some children have a higher vocabulary than others

The 'million word gap': the reason some children have a higher vocabulary than others

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