By: Emma Thompson
Updated: Jan. 29, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 8, 2012
Food and reading have always been intertwined for me. As an avid reader, I often find myself enjoying literature while dining—whether it’s balancing a book on the napkin holder in a diner, flipping through pages while eating spaghetti at home, or cradling a bowl of ice cream while lounging on the sofa. I’ve even attempted to recreate recipes from stories, such as those in “Bread and Jam for Frances,” where hard-boiled eggs became a favorite, liberating us from the monotony of the usual PB&J.
Research suggests that mealtime and literacy are connected in more significant ways. Psychologist Sarah Mitchell points out that children who regularly dine with their families experience considerable advantages in early reading and language skills. Her studies indicate that conversations during dinner enhance children’s vocabulary development even more than reading stories does.
Why is this so?
The language in children’s storybooks often contains limited vocabulary. In contrast, authentic, spontaneous dialogues at the dinner table introduce a wider range of advanced words. Mitchell notes, “Rare terms, those exceeding the 3,000 most frequently used, are ten times more prevalent in dinner discussions compared to storybooks.” When parents share anecdotes or recount daily experiences, they naturally incorporate vocabulary that children may not know yet, but can decipher through context. A robust vocabulary filled with less common, more sophisticated words allows children to grasp written language more easily.
Moreover, children gain from not only listening to adults but also actively participating in storytelling. Research shows that kindergarteners who share their own tales tend to become better readers as they progress through school. My own 5-year-old son, for instance, delights in storytelling, even if his narratives occasionally lack coherence. His latest imaginative tale involves a potion that “makes motion” for flying, and he eagerly debates the merits of using water versus juice in his concoction.
Strategies to Foster Storytelling Skills
To foster storytelling skills and enhance vocabulary, parents can implement several strategies, as suggested by Mitchell:
- Reminisce about shared experiences, such as “Do you remember our boat ride to visit Grandma?”
- Frequently ask questions that encourage elaboration.
- Urge them to expand on their stories and reflect back what they convey.
- Allow them to guide the conversation rather than imposing topics.
It’s evident that mealtime discussions can significantly expand a child’s vocabulary, promote narrative skills, and strengthen the relationship between spoken and written language. I look forward to discussing these insights at dinner tonight.
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Summary:
Engaging in dinner conversations can significantly boost children’s vocabulary and literacy skills, as supported by research. By sharing stories and reminiscing about experiences, parents can encourage their children to develop better communication abilities, ultimately enhancing their reading proficiency.