How does a large oral vocabulary support future reading development in young children?

A large oral vocabulary plays a crucial role in supporting future reading development in young children primarily through the ability to determine word meaning from context. When children have a rich vocabulary, they are more equipped to encounter new words in texts and understand them based on the surrounding words and sentences. This skill enhances their comprehension and retention of information, which is essential for becoming proficient readers.

A strong verbal foundation allows children to connect new vocabulary with their existing knowledge, making it easier for them to engage with their reading materials. This contextual understanding is vital for decoding texts, as it helps children navigate unfamiliar words without getting discouraged or lost.

In contrast, while improving handwriting skills, increasing attention span during reading, and facilitating group reading activities can be valuable aspects of literacy development, they do not directly relate to how vocabulary knowledge enhances the ability to comprehend and integrate new information encountered in reading. Thus, the ability to determine word meaning from context stands out as a direct benefit of a rich oral vocabulary, significantly influencing a child's reading journey.