suggestions on how to improve child's vocabulary?

[bananacarnival]

problems with an 8 and 9 year old ..both have poor vocab when writing fiction.

Ideas so far include reading more widely (any recommendations? Both girls), listening to audio CDs...

What else can one do to increase and improve vocabulary? To help them replace words like nice and went..of their own accord without always being prompted ?

Many thanks

Audio books are excellent. You can get lovely sets on the Book People or eBay. Little house on the prairie, just William, St Clare's, Mallory Towers, Lemony Snicket - my DDs liked all these and it has improved both their vocab and their listening skills - great for school

Thanks for that list, realised I've posted this in the wrong forum !