When we think of speech and language development, we often picture a child finally saying “mama” or learning to ask for their favourite snack. But growing research shows that the number and variety of words a child hears and uses in their early years has a lasting impact — not only on how well they talk, but also on how well they learn.
So, what does vocabulary have to do with school success? Let’s explore.
🧠 What the Research Says
In a landmark study by Hart and Risley (1995), researchers followed families over time and found that by age 4, children from professional families had heard approximately 30 million more words than children from low-income households.
This wasn’t just about exposure — the children who heard more diverse and complex language also scored higher in reading, comprehension, and academic tests in the years that followed.
Another study published in the journal Child Development (Marchman & Fernald, 2008) found that early vocabulary size at 18–24 months could predict language processing speed and later language abilities — a strong indicator of readiness for formal learning.
📚 Why Vocabulary Is More Than Just Talking
A child with a limited vocabulary may:
- Struggle to understand classroom instructions
- Find it harder to learn new concepts (e.g. “add”, “compare”, “sequence”)
- Have difficulty expressing ideas clearly, leading to frustration
- Avoid talking in group situations, impacting social confidence
- Be mislabelled as inattentive, slow, or even oppositional
In contrast, children with richer vocabularies are better prepared to understand books, ask questions, and absorb classroom learning.
🏠 Real-Life Example from Families We Support
One parent told us:
“My daughter wasn’t speaking much at age 3, but I didn’t think it was a big deal. Now she’s in kindergarten and struggles to follow what the teacher is saying — it’s like she’s constantly one step behind.”
This situation is more common than most people think, and it’s why early vocabulary support matters.
💡 Quality Over Quantity
It’s not just about how much you talk to your child — how you talk matters too. Children benefit most from:
- Specific, descriptive words (“Look at that tall giraffe with brown spots!”)
- Emotional language (“That’s frustrating, isn’t it?”)
- Spatial and time-based concepts (“Before lunch, let’s clean up.”)
- Explanations and “thinking aloud” (“Hmm… I wonder if the cup fits here?”)
Everyday moments — like preparing food, reading a book, or going on a walk — are opportunities for language building.
👪 5 Easy Tips for Parents
- Use real words, not baby talk
Say “banana” instead of “nana”, even if your child doesn’t say it perfectly. - Talk about what you’re doing
“I’m pouring the milk into your blue cup. Look, it’s filling up!” - Add one level up
If your child says “car”, you say “Yes, a red fire truck!” - Ask open-ended questions
Instead of “Did you have fun?”, ask “What did you do at the park?” - Read every day, even for 5 minutes
Books introduce words you don’t use in daily life — like “gigantic”, “glistening”, “creature”.
🔍 Should You Be Worried?
Every child develops differently, but if by age 2 your child:
- Says fewer than 50 words
- Isn’t combining words (e.g. “more juice”)
- Doesn’t seem to understand simple instructions
- Gets frustrated when trying to express needs
It might be worth talking to a speech pathologist for a quick screen or consultation. Early support can make a big difference.
📌 Final Thought
Vocabulary is the foundation of language, and language is the foundation of learning.
At SPOT Allied Health, we believe every family deserves to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Our therapists work closely with parents, carers, and educators to support each child’s unique communication journey.
📞 Concerned about your child’s vocabulary?
Contact us today for a free discovery call or book a developmental screening session.
