During middle and late childhood, how does a child's vocabulary typically develop?

A child's vocabulary during middle and late childhood experiences significant growth, and the range from 14,000 to 40,000 words accurately reflects this development. This period is marked by rapid language acquisition due to various factors such as increased exposure to language in different contexts, formal education, and interactions with peers and adults.

Children in this age range engage in more complex conversations, read a wider variety of texts, and begin to understand nuanced language elements, all of which contribute to their expanded vocabulary. The increase in vocabulary also supports their cognitive development, enabling them to process and articulate more sophisticated ideas and concepts.

Furthermore, research indicates that the average vocabulary of children at the end of elementary school often falls within this range, highlighting the significant leaps they make as they approach adolescence. This developmental milestone underscores the importance of fostering language skills through reading, dialogue, and rich language experiences during these formative years.