Susie Dent’s tips and tricks to add muscle to a child’s vocabulary

Just the simple act of reading is a great way to increase vocabulary – but there are other activities too that can help. Photograph: Frank Baron/The Guardian

Children’s vocabulary is shrinking as reading loses out to screen time, the Countdown lexicographer Susie Dent has suggested, as she urged families to read, talk and play word games to boost language development.

Dent, who also co-presents Channel 4’s Secret Genius with Alan Carr, is fronting a new campaign – working with an unexpected partner, Soreen malt loaf – aimed at boosting children’s vocabulary at snack time.