What role does vocabulary selection play when reading to children?

Choosing commonly used words with useful meanings is vital when reading to children because it helps them connect language to their everyday experiences and enhances their overall understanding. Familiar vocabulary allows children to make sense of the story being read and promotes engagement. When children hear words that are frequently used and applicable in their lives, they are more likely to recognize and remember these words, which lays a strong foundation for their language development.

This approach also encourages vocabulary expansion in a meaningful context, exposing children to words they may not use daily but can understand through the narrative and illustrations. By using useful and contextually relevant words, educators facilitate a rich learning environment where children can practice and enhance their language skills.

In contrast, selecting the most difficult words might lead to confusion rather than comprehension, while using words already known to the children can limit their exposure to new vocabulary. Focusing on slang and colloquial terms might not provide the foundational language skills necessary for academic success. Thus, option C is the most effective choice for fostering emergent literacy in young learners.