New words from a story, used the next day

A word sticks when a child hears it, says it, and needs it again while it is still warm. Ten flashcards at bedtime teach them that language is a test. One word inside a story teaches them that language is for something.

Pick by age

Around 4, Meera's age, pick a thing: a colour, a coat, rain, a tree. Around 6 or 7, Tara's age, pick a doing word or a fair/unfair word. Around 9, Kabir's age, ask them to explain the word as if a younger child were listening. That explanation is the use. They can also ask Minie what a word meant. You answer in one phrase and go back to the plot.

Tomorrow, once

Use the word yourself in a true sentence while you pack the bag or look at the weather. Ask them to use it once. Then drop it. If the story was in Hindi, Telugu or Kannada, keep the word in that language. Translating immediately teaches them English is the real word. Kurma is where you can ask which words showed up, so you do not have to remember at 7 a.m. The vocabulary guide is the checklist.