Preschoolers' Word-Learning During Storybook Reading Interactions: Comparing Repeated and Elaborated Input

J Speech Lang Hear Res. 2020 Mar 23;63(3):814-826. doi: 10.1044/2019_JSLHR-19-00189. Epub 2020 Mar 17.

Abstract

Purpose Previous research shows that shared storybook reading interactions can function as effective speech and language interventions for young children, helping to improve a variety of skills-including word-learning. This study sought to investigate the potential benefits of elaboration of new words during a single storybook reading with preschoolers. Method Thirty-three typically developing children ages 35-37 months listened to a storybook containing novel words that were either repeated with a definition, repeated with no additional information, or only said once. Their receptive word-learning for these novel words was then evaluated via a preferential looking task. We analyzed children's correct looks to target pictures and compared looking behavior across the three levels of presentation. Results Results showed that preschoolers demonstrated successful receptive word-learning after a single storybook reading interaction with an adult when target words were repeated, either with or without elaboration. Within this context, elaboration was not required for preschoolers' receptive word-learning. Conclusions These results support the use of storybook reading with young children as a way to foster early receptive word-learning and highlight the importance of repeated exposure to novel material either with or without additional semantic information.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reading*
  • Verbal Learning*
  • Vocabulary*

Grants and funding

This research was supported in part by grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health.