Share books with preschoolers to encourage new vocabulary. Choose picture books with simple phrases and minimal words on the page. As you read the words, point to the pictures and use props and gestures to enrich the meaning of the words. Display written words from the book as often as possible. Put word labels on items throughout the home or classroom that are related to the subject of the book. Point to an object and encourage the child to say the word. Some books that help preschoolers learn vocabulary are "My First Words: Let's Get Talking" by DK Publishing and "Big Board First 100 Words" by Roger Priddy.
Use flashcards to expose children to objects that are not necessarily in the classroom such as animals. Pick a theme for the set of flashcards such as sports, food or flowers. Create index cards by writing a word on a blank index card and pasting a picture of the item next to it. Alternatively, use a computer with Internet access to navigate to a website that has free printable flashcards for preschoolers. Show the flashcards to the preschooler and encourage him to say the word on the card. Say the word first so that the child knows how it sounds and is pronounced. Review the flashcards with preschoolers on a regular basis.
Children can create their own vocabulary books that will help them learn and remember words. Cut sheets of 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch construction paper in half. Encourage preschoolers to think of their favorite things and to draw a picture of each item on separate sheets of the construction paper. Tape the top half of a 3-inch by 5-inch index card to each drawing to cover the pictures and write the name of the item on the top of the index card. Create a book by punching holes down the side pages and tying them together with yarn or string. Preschoolers can flip through the peekaboo book, saying the word on the card and then flipping the card to reveal the picture.
Young children absorb a great deal of information during play. Share songs with preschoolers that enhance vocabulary learning. Songs can teach children vocabulary related to such topics as shapes, colors, animals and holidays. For example, the song "Old MacDonald" helps children learn the names of animals. Sing and dance to songs often and encourage children to sing along.