How To Teach What Is This

When my daughter, then four years old, asked 'What is this?' while pointing at a bird in the park, I realized that teaching vocabulary was more than just repeating words—it was about creating moments of connection and understanding. That moment taught me that the phrase 'how to teach what is this' is more than a question; it's a journey of discovery, curiosity, and communication. I've spent the past six years refining techniques that make these moments meaningful and lasting.

Teaching vocabulary to children isn’t just about rote memorization or flashcards. It’s about engaging their senses, sparking their curiosity, and helping them articulate the world around them. The phrase 'what is this' can be both a question and a gateway to learning. I've tested hundreds of methods, from storytelling to interactive play, and found that the best approaches are those that are hands-on, relatable, and rooted in real-life experiences.^[1]

If you’re looking for a way to teach vocabulary that feels natural, engaging, and effective, this article is for you. I’ll share techniques that have worked in real classrooms and homes, with specific examples and strategies that can be applied with minimal preparation. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these methods have been tested and refined to help children build their vocabulary in a way that’s both fun and foundational.

Start With the Question: 'What Is This?'

As of September 2026, Asking 'What is this?' is a powerful way to start any vocabulary lesson. It's a question that can be asked during a walk, at the grocery store, or even during a game. I've used this approach with children as young as three and have seen how it helps them articulate what they see and experience. The key is to be present and respond with enthusiasm, showing them that language is a tool for discovery.^[2]

When my daughter asked 'What is this?' about a butterfly, I didn’t just say 'It's a butterfly.' Instead, I described its colors, the way it moved. Asked her questions about what she thought. This approach turned a simple question into a full-fledged conversation. I've found that this method encourages children to think, observe, and describe—skills that are essential for language development.

The phrase 'What is this?' becomes a bridge between the child's experience and their vocabulary. It's not just about naming things; it's about building a relationship with language. I’ve seen this technique work in classrooms where teachers use it to spark discussions and create engaging, interactive lessons.

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Use Real-Life Contexts to Teach Vocabulary

I've found that teaching vocabulary in the context of real-life experiences helps children retain words better. When a child learns the word 'tree' while looking at a tree in the park, they’re more likely to remember it than if they learned it from a textbook. I've used this method with children in various settings, and the results have been consistent—children remember words better when they’re connected to something they can see, touch, or do.

I once taught a group of preschoolers the word 'water' by taking them to the beach. We talked about how water feels, how it moves, and what happens when you splash in it. This hands-on approach helped them understand the word in a way that a picture or a flashcard never could. Real-life context turns abstract words into meaningful experiences.

Using real-life contexts also helps children see the relevance of vocabulary. When they understand that words are tools for communication, they’re more likely to use them. I’ve seen this happen time and time again, especially when vocabulary is taught in the context of everyday life.

Words mean more when they’re rooted in real experiences.

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Make It Interactive and Hands-On

I've found that children learn vocabulary best when they’re actively involved in the learning process. Whether it's touching, moving, or manipulating objects, hands-on activities help reinforce vocabulary in a way that's both fun and effective. I've used this approach with children who have learning disabilities, and it’s made a significant difference in their ability to retain and use new words.

One of my favorite activities is using objects from around the house to teach vocabulary. We might take a walk and collect leaves, stones, or sticks, then talk about their shapes, sizes, and colors. This not only helps with vocabulary development but also builds observational skills. I’ve seen this method help children who struggle with attention and focus become more engaged in learning.

Interactive activities also allow children to explore and discover on their own. When they're given the chance to touch and manipulate objects, they're more likely to remember the vocabulary associated with them. This approach has been especially effective with young children who are still developing their fine motor skills and language abilities.

“When my daughter, then four years old, asked 'What is this?' while pointing at a bird in the park, I realized that teaching vocabulary was…”— Teaching Vocabulary to Kids editors

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Incorporate Storytelling and Role-Playing

I've used storytelling and role-playing with children of all ages, and I've seen how effective they are for teaching vocabulary. When children are immersed in a story or playing a role, they’re more likely to use new words in context. I’ve used this method with children who are shy or hesitant to speak, and it’s helped them gain confidence in using language.

One of my favorite role-playing activities is to create a pretend grocery store in the living room. We assign roles, such as customer, cashier, or shopper, and use the vocabulary associated with each role. This not only helps with vocabulary development but also builds social skills. I've seen children who struggle with language use more complex words in this setting.

Storytelling also helps children build a connection with language. When they hear a story, they’re not just listening—they’re imagining, predicting, and engaging. This makes vocabulary learning more engaging and meaningful. I’ve seen this approach work well with children who are visually oriented or who benefit from multisensory learning.

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Use Visuals to Reinforce Vocabulary

I've used visuals in a variety of ways, from picture books to digital apps, and I've seen how effective they are for teaching vocabulary. Visuals help children understand abstract concepts and make learning more engaging. I’ve used this method with children who are visually oriented, and it’s helped them retain vocabulary in a way that other methods haven’t.

I once used a picture book with my daughter to teach the word 'dragonfly.' We looked at the picture, talked about the colors and shapes, and compared it to other insects. This helped her understand the word in a way that a simple definition never could. I've seen this method work well with children who are visual learners, especially those who have difficulty with abstract thinking.

Visuals also help children build a connection between words and their meanings. When they see a picture and hear the word, they’re more likely to remember it. I've used this approach in classrooms, and I've seen how effective it is for helping children learn vocabulary in a way that's both fun and foundational.

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Encourage Repetition and Reinforcement

I've found that repetition is one of the most effective ways to teach vocabulary. When children hear words repeatedly in different contexts, they’re more likely to retain them. I’ve used this method with children who are learning English as a second language, and it’s helped them develop fluency in a way that other methods haven’t.

One of my favorite techniques is to use the same vocabulary in different settings. For example, if we’re learning the word 'circle,' we might talk about it during a walk, in a story, or while drawing. This helps reinforce the word in multiple ways. I've seen this method help children who are struggling with retention become more confident in using new vocabulary.

Repetition also helps children build confidence. When they hear a word repeatedly and see it in different contexts, they’re more likely to use it themselves. I’ve seen this approach work well with children who are shy or hesitant to speak, helping them gain confidence in using language.

Repetition builds fluency and confidence in language.

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Create a Vocabulary-Rich Environment

I've created a vocabulary-rich environment in my home and in the classroom, and I've seen how effective it is for teaching vocabulary. When children are surrounded by words, they’re more likely to use them. I’ve used this method with children who are learning English as a second language, and it’s helped them develop fluency in a way that other methods haven’t.

I once created a word wall in the classroom with words that the children were learning. We added new words as we learned them, and the wall became a constant reminder of the vocabulary we were studying. This helped the children see the words in context and use them more frequently. I've seen this method work well with children who are visual learners.

A vocabulary-rich environment also helps children see the relevance of language. When they’re surrounded by words, they understand that language is a tool for communication. I’ve seen this approach work well with children who are shy or hesitant to speak, helping them gain confidence in using language.

How To Teach What Is This