If you're involving your children in your everyday activities, they'll have so many opportunities to learn new vocabulary. There's no substitute for real life exposure to the world. When immersed in a new environment, they'll have so much to talk about. The opportunities for specific vocabulary growth will truly come to you.
If you're like most parents, I'm sure you dread the idea of packing up the kids and risking all to enter the grocery store with your young herd. You fear they'll show how cranky they can be, pull sugary cereals off the shelves, and cause a scene unfitting of a _______ (insert last name). But, think of the language opportunities! As you pass by the produce, there's "red cabbage" and "Idaho potatoes." Around the corner in the bakery, there are "pistachio muffins" and "flaky scones". And did you notice the "checkerboard pattern" of the "tile floor"?
Yes, introducing new vocabulary as you shop will require you spend a little more time at the grocery store. Don't plan your language-rich grocery adventure for that emergency grocery trip when you're in the middle of making a cake for Junior's birthday party and realized you're short 2 eggs. But next time you're off with your weekly shopping list, surprise the kids and ask them to go with you. Why leave them at home with the hubby or the sitter when you have the opportunity of a lifetime waiting for them?
I'm guessing you're still a bit hesitant. But keep in mind, if you have your kids looking for things to identify, there won't be as much time for for them to show other shoppers their true colors.
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