New words are best learned in context when the child is actively engaged.  Simply put, children learn best by DOING!

For example, a child is much more likely to learn a new word like “mud” when he is given the opportunity to play with the “mud”, to make mud pies and feel the mud squishing between his fingers.  By experiencing the mud, the child will activate many different parts of the brain - the parts responsible for touch, smell, sight, taste, and language/hearing.  By activating many parts of the brain, the child will develop a better understanding of a word and will be better able to find the word and use it when he needs it again.