Decreased Vocabulary and Word-Learning

Standardized assessments commonly used to identify decreased vocabulary and word learning in children are the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test: Fifth Edition (PPVT-5) and the Expressive Vocabulary Test: Third Edition (EVT-3). 

The PPVT-5 is a widely used standardized assessment that measures receptive vocabulary skills in children. A strength of the PPVT is that it presents the child with a series of pictures that they are required to point to or verbally identify the corresponding picture that best represents the spoken word presented by the clinician. It can give the clinician an overall picture of their receptive vocabulary skills without putting pressure on the child to speak. A limitation of the PPVT-5 is that it does not fully reflect the child's overall word-learning abilities because it does not assess expressive language. The PPVT-5 also cannot provide insights into a child’s semantic knowledge beyond single-word comprehension. 

The EVT-3 is a standardized assessment that measures a child's expressive vocabulary skills by requiring the child to verbally name pictures presented by the clinician. Its strength lies in the identification of a child’s vocabulary delays and difficulties in word retrieval and word production. One limitation of the EVT-3 is that it focuses primarily on expressive vocabulary and may not capture the child's receptive vocabulary skills or their ability to comprehend and understand words. Therefore, it does not provide a comprehensive picture of a child's vocabulary development or reflect their overall word-learning abilities beyond expressive language.

Language intervention approaches commonly used to treat decreased vocabulary and word learning in children are semantic mapping and narrative retell. 

Semantic mapping is an intervention approach that helps children develop and expand their vocabulary by creating visual representations or maps of word relationships. Its strength is that it allows children to make connections between words, categories, and concepts, facilitating a deeper understanding of vocabulary. Semantic mapping also promotes active engagement and supports the organization and retrieval of functional vocabulary items. A weakness of semantic mapping is that it may be challenging in the beginning for children with severe vocabulary delays or limited language skills to grasp the concepts or create meaningful connections. 

Narrative retell involves using books and storytelling as a means to enhance vocabulary development. Through interactive reading and discussion of story content, children are exposed to new words, contexts, and narrative structures. A strength of this approach is that it can stimulate vocabulary growth, comprehension, and narrative skills. It also promotes engagement with the clinician, imagination, and a love for reading. A weakness of narrative retell is that its effectiveness heavily relies on the quality and availability of appropriate books and resources. Children from diverse backgrounds may have varying levels of exposure to books or limited access to culturally relevant and representative materials.

Societally-based approaches that can benefit children with decreased vocabulary and word learning is emerging those children in language-rich environments and creating interactive experiences for them. Caregivers, teachers, clinicians, and many other adults in children’s lives can play a large role in providing children with these opportunities. Language modeling provides clear and accurate language input, engages the child in meaningful interactions, and scaffolds the child's language development. By modeling developmentally appropriate language, adults can help children develop their expressive and receptive language vocabulary skills, expand their vocabulary, and refine their grammar and communication abilities. Creating and encouraging interactive experiences, such as playgroups, storytelling sessions at the public library, or language-based games at home can promote vocabulary development in children. These activities can stimulate a child’s engagement, social interaction, and meaningful exposure to vocabulary in a fun and interactive manner.