‘When people learn that I taught my children to read at age three, they’re surprised, but they needn’t be’

Tips and tricks to help young readers expand their vocabulary

Introducing your child to one or two new words a week is ample. Photo: Getty

Colette Hiller

There’s a surprisingly easy way to persuade your child away from the screen this summer. Although you may not have realised it, the fact is your word is your wand.

Helping your seven- to 12-year-old develop a rich vocabulary is about as tricky as teaching them to like chocolate cake. Children are natural wordsmiths. They love knowing and using big words. Like adults, they enjoy the precision of fitting the right word into the right place. It’s hugely satisfying. Who’d ever want to say second to last when you could say penultimate?