🧠 5 Research-Backed Ways to Build Vocabulary Through Picture Books

(Plus How Sammy’s Jungle Day Makes Learning Stick!)

As a speech-language pathologist, educator, and children’s book author, I’ve seen firsthand how picture books can supercharge vocabulary growth—especially when used with intention.

In fact, studies show that children can learn up to twice as many new words when adults actively engage them during shared reading. Just 15 minutes of thoughtful book time each day builds the foundation for strong academic success, storytelling skills, and confident communication.

So how can we make the most of each page? Below are five evidence-based strategies you can use at home, in the classroom, or during speech therapy—featuring examples straight from Sammy’s Jungle Day.

⭐ 1. Read It Again (and Again!)

Why it works: Repetition helps cement understanding. Each time a child hears the same word in context, it strengthens the neural connections tied to meaning and usage.

📖 Try this: During the first reading of Sammy’s Jungle Day, focus on enjoying the rhythm and rhyme. On the second read, pause to emphasize jungle-themed vocabulary like "sloth," "vine," "jungle," or "buzzing." By the third read, ask your child to help finish familiar rhymes or spot details they remember.

❓ 2. Pause for WH-Questions

Why it works: Asking open-ended questions during reading encourages expressive language, comprehension, and inferencing—all key parts of communication.

🧵 Try this: Pause and ask:

• “Where is Sammy going?”

• “What does Bitsy the Bee collect?”

• “Why do you think Manny the Monkey is swinging so fast?”

  
  

Encourage your child to look at the illustrations to support their answers. Visual cues help bridge language gaps.

🔤 3. Label and Expand

Why it works: Children learn more when adults both label and expand on vocabulary. This approach gives them context, detail, and connections.

🔍 Try this: Instead of just saying, “That’s a monkey,” try, “That’s Manny the Monkey! He’s swinging from vine to vine. Can you swing like Manny?”

You're modeling descriptive language, introducing verbs, and inviting playful engagement all in one sentence!

🌿 4. Make Real-World Connections

Why it works: Children retain words better when they can relate them to personal experiences or familiar environments.

🌍 Try this:

• "Remember when we saw a sloth at the zoo? That’s just like Sammy!"

• "Let’s go outside and listen for sounds like in the book. Do you hear birdsong or wind?"

  
  

Real-life connections deepen understanding and create lasting mental links between words and meaning.

🎓 5. Extend the Story with Post-Reading Play

Why it works: Reinforcement through play boosts memory, imagination, and application. Learning doesn’t stop when the book closes!

🎨 Try this: After reading, invite your child to:

• Act out the jungle animals

• Draw their favorite character

• Use printable WH-question cards or sequencing visuals (available in my TPT Store)

  
  

Pairing movement and creativity with story elements keeps the vocabulary fresh and fun.

📖 A Final Word from the Jungle

When we turn story time into a layered experience—with conversation, play, and purpose—we aren’t just building vocabulary. We’re building confident communicators, curious thinkers, and lifelong readers.

So next time you open a picture book, remember:

It’s more than a story; it’s a launchpad for learning.

Want to try these strategies in action? Grab your copy of Sammy’s Jungle Day and explore my free and premium resources to bring language learning to life.

And stay tuned—Manny the Monkey is swinging into the blog next with wild facts, expressive fun, and a few jungle surprises!

💚 Dr. T

Author | SLP | Educator | Illustrator

Treetop Tales Publishing

www.readwithdrt.com