What does vocabulary encompass in a child?

Vocabulary encompasses all words that a child knows, including those they use in speaking and writing, as well as those they recognize in reading and understand in context. This comprehensive view of vocabulary includes both active vocabulary—the words a child uses regularly—and passive vocabulary—the words a child understands but may not use frequently in their own speech.

Understanding vocabulary in this broad way is essential for supporting language development, literacy, and overall academic success. By recognizing the full scope of a child's vocabulary, educators and caregivers can create more effective learning environments that promote language acquisition through various activities, discussions, and engagements that help to reinforce and expand a child's word knowledge. This holistic perspective is important for fostering comprehensive language skills that support communication and academic achievement.