Vocabulary teaching ideas

21 Ideas for Teaching Vocabulary in the Classroom

I’m sharing 21 ideas for teaching vocabulary. You may not be able to use all of them, but I hope you can find some ideas that will work well for you!

I’ve shared books about vocabulary instruction, as well as the theory and techniques. This post is a lot more practical. We’re all about ideas today!

I’m sharing the bare bones of the ideas here.

I’m adding lengthier explanations for some of them with more tips and fleshed-out instructions on my website devoted just to vocabulary instruction, VocabularyLuau.

You’ll see that option at the end of the idea if it’s available.

IDEA #1: Semantic Maps

In this activity, the teacher chooses a word and displays it for the class on a whiteboard, etc.

Students read the word and then think of words that come to mind when they see that word (this is awesome because it activates prior learning).

A list is created of all of the words that come to mind, and then those words are categorized.

This can be done as a whole class or in small groups.

Students then create a “map” using a graphic organizer and discuss it. Additional or substitute categories can be suggested.

As students read through the text, they can add related words to the map.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #2: Eye Spy

Give students a list of words to search for in a text or have them find unfamiliar words.

You can award points to the words based on different criteria (longest new word, word with most consonants, etc.).

Invest in a set of inexpensive dollar store magnifying glasses to make this more game-like.

This is a great pre-reading activity.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #3: Making Choices

Students show their understanding of vocabulary by saying the word when it applies, or remaining silent when it doesn’t.

For example: “Say radiant if any of these things would make someone look radiant. ”
-Winning a million dollars.
-Earning a gold medal.
-Walking to the post office.
-Cleaning your room.
-Having a picture you painted hung in the school library.

(This idea is from the book Bringing Words to Life, recommended in the books section.)

This is one of the key strategies teachers need in introducing new vocabulary. Because of that, I’ve written extensively and given a dozen examples from different texts for Kinder through 12th grade on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #4: Sorting Hat

Use a Harry Potter theme to have students sort words into categories. They can pull them out of a hat.

If you give them the categories, it’s called a “closed sort.” If they come up with their own categories, it’s called “open sort.”

This one is so, so fun. I explain lots more about how to do it on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #5: Word Pairs

Give students words in pairs and have them evaluate if the words are the same, opposite, go together, or are unrelated.

This strategy is terrific for building critical thinking skills along with the vocabulary.

Get even more details and variations at VocabularyLuau.

(adapted from Word Power: What Every Educator Needs to Know about Teaching Vocabulary)

IDEA #6: Linear Array

In this strategy, students use a graphic organizer that is a rectangle, three ovals, and then another rectangle, all in a line.

The word in question goes in the rectangle on the far left.

The rectangle on the far right is filled in with a word that is the opposite.

The center three ovals are filled in with words that go from the far left to the far right, gradually become less similar until they reach the opposite.

For example, microscopic, tiny, small, bigger, large.

You can see examples of the graphic organizer, more details, and lots of variations on VocabularyLuau.

(adapted from Words, Words, Words: Teaching Vocabulary in Grades 4 – 12)

IDEA #7: Games

Many “real” games work well for vocab play and practice. Games such as Balderdash, Taboo, Scrabble, Blurt, Bananagrams, word bingo, and others are fun.

There are online games as well, such as Scholastic’s Synonym Toast.

[Note: I am a notoriously horrible Scrabble player, and every time I play I think, “English teachers should be better at this.” It’s not my favorite.]

IDEA #8: Scavenger Hunt

Have a word scavenger hunt in books, magazines, articles on the net, or in the school or home.

Don’t just go for numbers; go for unusual words, academic vocabulary, weird spellings, homophones, etc.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #9: Word Wheel

Copy and paste this image onto a sheet of cardstock and make a vocab spinner game. EisforExplore shares the whole idea here.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #10: Vocabulary Photo Album

Using a simple, inexpensive photo album, students create a visual glossary of key words.

I’ve got pictures of examples, details, and more ideas at VocabularyLuau, if you’d like to read more.

IDEA #11: Tally

Use tally marks to track words you’re trying to practice.

Mark whenever the teacher says the word in context, and mark twice when a student does.

Alternatively, you can have the tally marks be even, but play the teacher versus the class.

There’s so much more to this strategy. Learn more about how tally marks can help you teach vocabulary at VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #12: Vocabulary Relay

Print out words on one set of cards (copy this set a few times) and definitions, context, or sentences in which they could be used (fill-in-the-blank) on another set (just one set).

Jumble up the words in a pile in the middle of the floor, and jumble up the definitions, context, and sentences to keep with you. Break students into teams of five-ish.

Call out the definition/context/sentence and give students some think time (8 – 10 seconds) to talk about what word it might be.

After the discussion time, call out “Word!” One member from each team runs to the center and tries to find the word in the pile.

I like having multiple sets of the words so more than one team can get it.

Check to make sure they’re correct, and then discuss it briefly before the next round.

Note: I got this idea from another teacher’s site, but I cannot for the life of me remember where. I have searched Google for it, and can’t find it. A small prize to the person who can figure out the originator of the idea!

I’ve written quite a bit about it here, but I’ve written more (and have lots of pictures of it in play) at VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #13: Vocabulary Category Relay

This is a different relay activity than the one above, even though the names are so similar.

In this version, teams of students race to fill in words responsive to a category that start with the letters of the alphabet in order.

This can be done individually, in groups, or even as a whole class. It’s also a good one for both digital and in-person instruction.

When I wrote about it on VocabularyLuau, I shared these score sheets for digital use, as well as printable versions.

IDEA #13: Comic Strip Word Activity

I got the idea for using comic strips from This Reading Mama.

In some ways, it’s really a modified Frayer model.

I loved it so much that I started making them like crazy. It turns out that they let me get a clear glimpse into how well the students had mastered the word.

I have an entire article about this, filled with loads of ideas and resources at VocabularyLuau.

You can check out that article here (or click the image below).

IDEA #14: Paper Plate Vocab

I love this inexpensive matching game from Finding Joy in Fifth Grade, and I think students could create it themselves.

IDEA #15: Heads Up Vocabulary Game

Students hold a word on a card in front of their foreheads. The students don’t know what words they have.

Students ask each other a series of questions to determine the meaning of their word. Or, students can give students clues to the person with the word to help that person guess the word.

This is a review activity, and it’s not for initial instruction.

It’s such a favorite that I wrote a very comprehensive article about it on VocabularyLuau. There’s even a hack for printing on Post-it notes!

IDEA #16: Word Sneak

Word Sneak is a game invented by Jimmy Fallon that he plays with guests on the Tonight Show.

In the game, Jimmy and the guest each get a stack of cards with words on them that they have to work into the conversation naturally (without sounding forced or stilted).

It’s hysterical to watch and fun to play.

It’s also a great way to learn different ways to approach a word.

It’s so much fun that when I wrote the article about in on VocabularyLuau, I also included a Tonight Show backdrop you can use in class to give it an even more “real” feel.

IDEA #17: Frayer Model

The Frayer Model is an oldie-but-goodie vocab activity model in which student work in multiple ways in a specifically laid out graphic organizer to engage with words.

This is such a must-know that I wrote a (very lengthy and detailed) plan for how to use it at VocabularyLuau.

It includes downloads and printables and digital versions, as well as exactly how (and why) to use this strategy.

If you are not familiar with it, please do yourself a solid and read more.

IDEA #18: Tweet

Have students create a “tweet” that a word would send out or with the word in the tweet in context.

You can use a tool like PrankmeNot or Siminator to make it look real.

This strategy is so fun and so useful!

I’ve written about five different ways to do this (with examples) on VocabularyLuau, and I even have this free template for you there:

IDEA #19: Brain Power Words

This is a strong academic vocabulary activity that takes a little bit of time, but would really help get the words past the superficial level of understanding.

Ask small groups of students to preview sections of a text and identify difficult words.
For long chapters, assign different sections to different groups.
Students place a Post-it next to the words in the text they identify as potentially difficult.
After identifying the words, the group goes back and uses context clues to hypothesize what the words might mean.
- Clues of substitution: A known word would make sense in the context and is probably a good definition.
- Clues of definition: The word is defined in the text (many textbooks do this).
- Clues of opposition: Words “not, unlike” etc. are excellent clues to what a word is not and thus help define the words.
After the Brain Power Words list is identified and definitions sought, the students check their work with the teacher.

This strategy is from Becky McTague and Margaret Richek (it’s in the book Reading Success for Struggling Adolescent Learners by Susan Lenski and Jill Lewis).

IDEA #20: The Concept Cube

A concept cube is a pattern that is printed on paper or cardstock, cut out, folded, and taped into a three-dimensional cube.

Students write, type, or draw on the pattern prior to assembling the cube, and then they “play” with the cube to explore concepts.

Depending upon the way you choose to use it, they can be similar to a three-dimensional Frayer model.

You can print out a blank cube and have students print the responses below, or complete it online and then print it out.

Before folding, students write clearly in each square following the directions below.

Each student is given one challenging vocabulary word from a recent reading and asked to:

Write the assigned vocabulary word in one square.
Write a synonym (word or phrase) in another square.
Write an antonym (word or phrase) in another square.
Write a category or categories it could belong to.
Write the essential characteristics of the concept of this word.
Give one example.

Cut, fold, and tape the cube.

Roll the cube and read what comes up on the “top”; the student must tell the relationship of that word or phrase to the original word.

After students know their own cube without any errors, they exchange with a peer.

You can get more ideas and details, as well as a free printable, at VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #21: Phone a Friend

Search TeacherspayTeachers or Teachers Notebook for vocabulary activities you can use or adapt.

The beauty of this is that you can search by grade level and subject, so you can focus on what you’re studying.

A caveat to this is that if you create something grade level or content specific, you can share it with other teachers, too.

The Importance of a Variety of Activities

You want to have a variety of activities so that vocabulary instruction doesn’t become routine or boring.

Keeping it fresh with lots of different ways of learning will help students (and the teacher) avoid getting burned out or tired of working with vocabulary.

There’s been so much interest in this that I created an entire website just for vocab ideas called VocabularyLuau.

These 21 activities for teaching vocabulary are just a start. I’d love to know your ideas!

The Vocabulary Series

This post is Part 3 of a four-part series on teaching vocabulary. If you would like to check out the rest of the series, visit the posts below

Teaching Vocabulary: The books
Theories & Techniques that work (and don’t)
21 Activities for Teaching Vocabulary (this one)
Ideas for English Language Learners

There’s even a great book for teaching vocabulary!

These ideas work for all vocabulary words.

If your students need to learn vocabulary words and terms that are specific to your content (words like acute angle or latitude or simile or biome), have I got a book for you!

You know how I know it’s great? I wrote it! I wrote it for teachers just like you from the method I created in my own class with my own students and tested over and over.

You can learn more about it by clicking on the picture of it, or you can read more and see loads of examples here.

If you already know you want it, you can grab a paperback version on Amazon.

Or, if you want a digital copy, you can use the coupon code GIFTEDGURU for 20% off you can…

Grab your copy

Do You Like Great Ideas?

If so, I share them in my email o’ goodness that goes out about once a month to thousands of people just like you.

You can sign up here (it’s free).

Note: This content uses referral links. Read my disclosure policy (it’s fascinating) for more info.

20 Meaningful Vocabulary Activities for Every Grade

Learning new words is like adding to your writing wardrobe. Your writing becomes so much more interesting and engaging when you have more options available. These vocabulary activities work for all ages, K-12, and provide kids with a variety of learning options to help them build their own word bank.

1. Make a word map

Word maps help deepen understanding of a vocab word by relating it to other words and concepts students already know.

Learn more: Word Map/Upper Elementary Snapshots

2. Use the Frayer Model

Frayer models are a popular way to learn new words and concepts. Kids define the word in their own terms, then list facts and characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Learn more: Southern Fried Teachin’

3. Draw vocabulary sketchnotes

Kids and teachers love sketchnotes! Rather than writing out definitions, have students draw a sketch that sums up each word instead. It’s a lot more fun and gives kids an image for visual association and to help remember the meanings.

Learn more: Now Spark Creativity

4. Bump words along

Group vocab words together with a few other words with similar meanings and one that’s an antonym. Students identify the antonym and “bump” it to the next box, filling in the next group of words. They continue until the worksheet is full.

Learn more: Reading and Writing Haven

5. Post a Graffiti Wall

Think of a vocabulary graffiti wall like a collaborative word wall. In the classroom, post the words on the wall and have kids add sticky notes to illustrate the term (they can use words or pictures). Online, try a tool like Padlet or Google Slides.

Learn more: Digging Deeper

6. Match words to describe character

This is a terrific way to practice vocab words pulled from books you’re reading. Ask students to use various words to describe the different characters in the book and their feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Learn more: The Sassy Apple

7. Fill in words from A to Z

This vocabulary game is fun and challenging, and you can play it at any age. Choose a word, then challenge kids to come up with related words for as many letters as possible. These could be synonyms, antonyms, examples, and more. Trickier letters are worth more points!

Learn more: A to Z/Lit in Focus

8. Try Flipgrid for vocabulary activities

Forever a Teacher at Heart/Twitter

Are you on the Flipgrid bandwagon yet? It’s perfect for vocabulary activities! Have kids record a quick video for each word, using their creativity to make it fun and meaningful.

9. Battle it out in Vocabulary Jeopardy

Good vocabulary activities encourage more than just memorization of definitions. That’s why we like this Jeopardy game idea. It explores synonyms and antonyms and how words are used in real sentences.

Learn more: Not So Wimpy Teacher

10. Use RAFTs to write vocabulary stories

Writing a story using vocab words is a perennial favorite, but the RAFT method gives it a new twist. Students are assigned a Role (the point of view from which they’ll tell the story), an Audience, a Format, and a Topic. For instance, they might be an astronaut (Role) writing a postcard (Format) to their friends back home (Audience) about what they’ve seen on Mars (Topic). RAFTs are especially great for kids who claim they don’t know what to write about.

Learn more: RAFT/Teaching Writing

11. Discover the power of words

Vocabulary words take on greater meaning when students incorporate them into their daily lives. Challenge kids to use their vocab words in conversation and writing outside the language arts classroom. Use the free printable worksheet here to help them keep track of how often they use them.

12. Create graphic organizers

Colorful organizers like these are terrific vocabulary activities. Want to go digital? Have kids make a slideshow, one slide per word. They can include the same information, but instead of drawing a picture, have them find one online that illustrates the concept.

Learn more: Graphic Organizers/Upper Elementary Snapshots

13. Focus on a Word of the Week

Give really important terms the attention they deserve. Choose a new vocab word each week, then explore it in depth day by day.

Learn more: Lit In Focus

14. Join the Million Dollar Word Club

Post a list of target vocab words. If a student uses one of the words in class (outside of vocabulary activities), they become a member of the Million Dollar Word Club! You can have them sign their name on a wall in the classroom or award a badge online. You could even develop this into a reward system for homework passes or extra credit.

Learn more: Million Dollar Words/The Sassy Apple

15. Explore shades of meaning

This is a cool idea for exploring synonyms and the slight differences that make words unique. Ask for paint sample strips at your local hardware store, or buy a clip art set. In the classroom, use these paint strips to make crafts for a bulletin board. Working in a virtual environment? Have kids print clip art strips at home or use the images to make slides or digital worksheets.

Learn more: Around the Kampfire

16. Personify a word with social media

This is one of those vocabulary activities kids will want to do over and over again! Assign each student a word and have them create a fake Facebook, Instagram, or other social media page for it. They can draw them freehand or complete a template like these from Teachers Pay Teachers. Post the images to a shared Google slideshow so other students can use them for review.

Learn more: Reading and Writing Haven

17. Play vocabulary word Taboo

In this game, the goal is for one student to get their partner to guess the word by describing or giving examples of it. The trick? There’s a list of additional words they’re not allowed to use! Let other students see the card in advance to help keep the players honest. (Flash it on a whiteboard and have the guesser face away.)

Learn more: Teaching Talking

18. Roll a die for vocabulary activities

Choose a vocab word, then have the student roll a die (these virtual dice are handy) to see which activity they get to complete.

Learn more: Roll a Word/Lucky Little Learners

19. Write an acrostic

Write an acrostic poem for each vocab term, using the letters to determine the first word in each line. This can get really challenging when words are longer!

Learn more: Vocab Acrostic/Upper Elementary Snapshots

20. Become a Word Collector

This is one of those picture books that grown-up kids will enjoy as much as little ones. Use it to remind your kids that they don’t need a vocabulary list to learn new words—new words are all around them. Encourage them to keep a word list or journal of their own to record new words they want to explore and use more often.

Looking for more language arts ideas? Try these 11 Essential Tips for Teaching Theme.

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters!

Life hacks to expand the vocabulary of high school students

Do your high school students sleep on their desks and forget their notebooks? No, but still do not learn the words for the lesson? In this article I want to share how to help students learn English words in an interesting way and actively use them in speech.

Word of the day and news at the beginning of the lesson

Teenagers sometimes follow the news and like to be aware of trends. Introduce a simple tradition: at the end of a lesson, say a word or idiom to one student about the topic of the next lesson. nine0003

The student will be asked to tell a story that uses this vocabulary. Have classmates guess its meaning if they don't know it, and then discuss the news using the word of the day.

Useful link: BBC Learning English | For Teachers | Words in the news

Guessing games

New vocabulary is best learned when put into speech. It may be uncomfortable for teenagers to take part in role-plays or recite texts at the blackboard by heart, but everyone likes to play in class. They already have a sufficient level of English to explain the words in Alias or guess the characters in Heads up. nine0003

If you want to consolidate vocabulary on a specific topic, select the necessary cards. The game can be organized in pairs or in the usual form at the board. The more emotional the games are, the better the students will remember new words.

Games with a cube

Teenagers are often so loaded that after the teacher's phrase: “Now we will learn new words”, they will perceive any tasks without enthusiasm and even with rejection. But We are going to play a new game sounds completely different, because in other lessons they hardly play games. We can adapt almost any board game for an English lesson. nine0003

If you are working in a small group, organize a basic Snakes and ladders with dice, tokens and unusual tasks on the squares. Other options: Tell the group what you did yesterday, Name 3 things connected to the space, Tell about your plans for the next year - tasks depend on the topic of the lesson and your imagination.

ESL games world
Games to learn English
Elsgamesplus

Travel

These days, we all miss traveling. Traveling in an English lesson will not only help you get new impressions, but also learn new words. nine0003

If you work at a school, take the children on a tour of the area around the school. You can give the task in groups in the form of a project. Each group of three to five people prepares a report on the attraction. But you can listen to reports not in the classroom, but walk around the school. Ask the rest of the students not just to walk, but to listen carefully and make up one question at a time.

If the school is located in a residential area and there are few attractions, Google Maps will come to the rescue. Students can take a virtual tour of their favorite sights or places they dream of visiting. nine0003

Engage the audience: give students a task before the speaker. For example, ask a question using the vocabulary being studied. It is desirable that new words be in front of your eyes in the useful words section.

Read on: Ideas for an English Lesson with Virtual Journey and Making Learning New Words Easy

Spidergrams

Organized vocabulary will be easier to remember. This is important for teenagers who find it difficult to concentrate. Many of my students noted the convenience of organizing words in the form of a spidergram. nine0003

You can enter collocations into it or group vocabulary thematically. The main thing is to be able to display the ambiguity of English words. For example, the verb get changes its meaning if it is next to on with or at . To do this, it is desirable to give examples in sentences, and not just words taken out of context.

Spidergram constructors: Creately.com and Lucidchart

Dictionary

The classic dictionary at the end of the notebook also helps to remember vocabulary, but it is better to divide it into topics. If students want to get creative, they can add pictures to the translation of words. It is important that they are well oriented in their notes and can quickly find the information they need. nine0003

Read on the topic: Ways to practice and memorize vocabulary

Meeting an interesting person

When we talk about high school students, we mean a group that has been studying together for quite some time. They have one teacher, so their speech is often the same.

To expand your vocabulary, invite an English-speaking foreigner for a thematic conversation once a month. Find a student from the city's language school or use online services such as Lingoglobe. nine0003

To make the conversation with the guest as productive as possible:

Choose an interesting topic with the students.
Discuss with the guest the format of the conversation: a short lecture, a polylogue or a discussion of a book / film, like in an interest club.
During the conversation, record non-standard words and expressions that the guest used.
Practice new vocabulary with students: remember the context in which they were used, invite students to guess their meaning and use them in dialogues. nine0030

Communication with a foreigner motivates students to learn the language, so teenagers will see how new words can be applied. This is the most important life hack for expanding vocabulary at any age.

Even more tips in our videos:

5 tips: how to learn and remember English words forever
How to double your vocabulary in English?

Effective ways and means of replenishing the active vocabulary of students in English lessons, taking into account the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard LLC

Classes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Keywords: play form, vocabulary games, dictionaries

English Methodist Andrew Walkley said: “Without grammar you can say little, without vocabulary you can say nothing”. One cannot but agree with this statement. Without denying the importance of studying grammar, we understand that much more semantic load is contained in words, and not in grammatical constructions.

Enriching students' vocabulary is the most important task of a foreign language teacher. There are two goals of vocabulary enrichment:

quantitative increase in words and qualitative improvement of the existing vocabulary; nine0030
teaching the ability to use known and newly learned words.

We try to realize both of these goals in our lessons.

The main problem of studying vocabulary is the preservation in the memory of students of all the entered and fixed words, up to graduation (almost 80% of words can be talked about, at least 60%. This requires repeated (over 20 times) use of each of them throughout long time at optimal intervals (from 1-3 days at the beginning of the organized use of the word to 1-3 months at the end of this period).0% of such repeated use of passive vocabulary and 30-50% of active vocabulary lies with the author of the textbook. However, more than half of the repetitions of active and about 10% of repetitions of passive vocabulary should be provided by the teacher during speaking in the lesson. To do this, the teacher needs to include in the project of each lesson a list of not only new, but also repeated words in it (weakly learned, not used for a long time, in need of reinforcement). There are various ways to enrich students' vocabulary. Here are a few strategies to achieve this. nine0003

1. Lexical games

They are situational-variative exercises in which it is possible to repeatedly repeat a speech sample in conditions close to real speech communication with its inherent features - emotionality, spontaneity and purposefulness of influence. Lexical games focus students' attention on lexical material, aim to help them acquire and expand their vocabulary, illustrate and practice the use of words in communication situations. Lexically directed exercises in the form of a game contribute to the development of students' attention, their cognitive interest, help to create a favorable psychological climate in the classroom. nine0003

Memory game : The teacher writes on the board the words or phrases that need to be fixed. The teacher asks to turn away or close your eyes and erases one LU. Students must guess which LU is missing and write it correctly on the board.

Snowball game : When starting the game, the teacher says the first word. Each subsequent student must name all the previous words in the order in which they were included in the game, and say a new word. If someone forgot a word or mixed up the order, he is out of the game. nine0003

Team game: students are divided into two teams, a student from the first team says the word in English, students from the other team must say the word in English as quickly as possible and get a point for it. The game is played for 5 minutes. The team with the most points wins.

2. Forbidden words

“Forbidden words” are simply words that students cannot use in their work. Make your list of "forbidden" words - these are simple words that your students use over and over again when they could use more complex vocabulary (for example, like, interesting, boring, good, nice, bad, big, run, etc. ). ) nine0003

However, take a moment to discuss the "allowed" synonyms for each of these words, to discuss the nuances of the meanings. It would be a great idea to make a poster with the "forbidden" word and its alternatives. For example: Interesting: amusing, enjoyable, entertaining, fascinating, gripping, absorbing, newsworthy, arresting, captivating, exceptional, magnetic, etc. Do not forget to discuss the stylistic features of synonyms.

3. "Vocabulary family"

Imagine that you have a choice: your students can learn 1 word or 5 at once. Which would you prefer? Naturally, we want our students to learn as much as possible when it comes to vocabulary. One way to achieve this is to introduce vocabulary through related words or “vocabulary families”. Instead of a single depend verb, your students will be familiar with dependence, dependent, independence, independent. At the same time, we will get acquainted with the methods of word formation. nine0003

4. Graphic organizer

Divide an A4 paper into four rectangles. At the intersection of these lines, write the word or phrase you want to remember. Label each rectangle starting from the top left clockwise:

Description: Define the term using your own words.
Characteristics: Give at least 3 interesting characteristics of the term.
Synonym: What is it like?
Antonym: What is it not like? nine0030

Students use their vocabulary to complete the boxes. Supplement them with drawings or diagrams.

The 'Graphic Organizer' memory method helps students learn new words. If you define new lexical units in your own words, give examples from familiar situations and visual images, then any word will be imprinted in your memory for a long time.

How to use the graphic organizer in the classroom:

Preparation. Define a list of words to study within a particular topic. Working with a group of 3-4 students, have each group study one word. nine0030
Mini demo. Explain to the class what a graphic organizer is and how to fill in the boxes.
Group work. Make it easier for students to work on new words by discussing with each group the word given to them. Use leading questions to encourage the group to think along the lines you want.
Discussion at the lesson. Have one student from the group present their word. Let members of different teams talk to each other and get to know other words. 2-3 minutes is enough for this, so as not to interrupt the rhythm of the lesson. nine0030

5. Using dictionaries

Learning a new LE always starts with a dictionary. At present, it is more convenient to use electronic dictionaries for working with new LEs, because they not only significantly exceed book ones in volume, but also find the desired word or phrase in a few seconds, electronic dictionaries contain more neologisms, since the language is a reflection of the real life of people, their culture. All new vocabulary cannot be adequately reflected in "paper" dictionaries for the simple reason that they take too long to develop. In fact, many dictionaries that were formed in the linguistic atmosphere of the middle of the century are very outdated. They do not indicate the modern meanings of old words, and many new words are simply missing. This has become especially evident with the development of the Internet: most of the Web pages consist of English texts written in living modern language, using colloquial vocabulary and slang. Only the use of electronic dictionaries can solve this problem. Mass software products, such as electronic dictionaries, are characterized by frequent version changes and constant feedback from thousands of users. nine0003

Electronic dictionaries contain not only transcription, but can also pronounce words.

The most common - ABBY Lingvo, Multilex, Multitran, Cambridge Dictionaries Online . I want to introduce you to the following site http://wordsteps. com , allows you to do work similar to working with your vocabulary (Vocabulary). We click on the "create a new dictionary" button, give it a name, drive words and translations into special fields, and the program creates exercises. There are several types of exercises, such as multiple choice, word building, and performance statistics. You can use thematic dictionaries already compiled by other people. There are word limits in the free version. nine0003

6. "Wall of words"

The effectiveness of learning depends on the effectiveness of the learning environment, and the classroom, as part of such an environment, plays an important role. Invite your students to be active participants in the vocabulary building process with the Word Wall. Ask students to write down new words for them that they will meet in extracurricular life. The word must be written on a small card, and on the reverse side - a definition and an example, and the card should be placed on the "Word Wall". Each student can get familiar with the words. After some time, you can ask students to come up with and play games with classmates with these words (Crosswords, Deaf Phone, Field of Miracles, etc.) Students usually like that they "had a hand", and such words are remembered better. nine0003

7. Flash cards

Cards should be easy to use. It is necessary to choose the right size for cards that will fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, which will be easy to shift.

Use heavy paper or cardstock for cards, cards can be laminated for longer life.
A word in a foreign language is placed on the front side of the card, it is possible to add a transcription and an example of the use of the word in a sentence. On the reverse side is placed a picture or a translation indicating the lexical meaning of the word. nine0030

Using flash cards is an effective method for:

Learning the graphic form of words
Memorization of lexical meaning
Fast speech reproduction of the word (reading)
Transition of words from passive to active vocabulary (use in speaking)
Increasing motivation to learn a foreign language.

In the 70s of the XX century, the German scientist and journalist Sebastian Leitner proposed a practical method for learning words (and in our case we are talking about foreign vocabulary) with less effort than the traditional method - the method of simply repeating flash cards, sorting through constantly one after another. nine0003

In this method, the so-called flash cards are sorted into groups according to how well the student learned the information on each card. For example, when learning a foreign language, a student tries to remember the meaning of a word written on a flash card. If he remembers it, then the card is transferred to the next group. If not, then the card is returned to the first group. Each next group is repeated at increasing intervals. Advantage of the method

So, according to the Leitner system, you repeat more often exactly those words that are more difficult to remember, which allows you to save time on words that are remembered well. As a result, there is a reduction in the time spent on training. nine0003

Adapted method of the Leitner system - you need to take a stack of flash cards. If the word on the top card is known, then the card is shifted to the end of the pile. If the word is unknown, then after viewing the translation it is shifted to the middle of the pile (closer to the beginning) so that it occurs earlier and more often than the words already known. Thus, we achieve more frequent repetition of the necessary difficult vocabulary and its lasting memorization.

You can make flash cards with phrasal verbs and idioms. nine0003

The website http://www.english-4kids.com/flashcards.html has a huge selection of ready-made colorful flash cards.

8. Memory cards

The Mind Map memory card is an alternative to traditional methods of processing and transmitting information (notes, short notes, diagrams, etc.) This alternative is more productive, as it has a natural psychological basis, and most importantly, it transforms student into an active creator of their own knowledge.

The psychological basis of the memory card method is associative thinking. The memory card itself, from the point of view of its creators, is a model of how our brain works.

It is enough to reproduce in memory one object of this information map, and it will pull dozens of interconnected facts, events, sensations in a chain. This is how multidimensional associative thinking arises, which allows you to see not just an object of the surrounding world in itself, but in interconnection with other objects.

This is how the memory card works. nine0003

There are certain rules for creating mind maps developed by Tony Buzan, which are detailed in his book “How to Mind Map”, namely:

The main idea, problem or word is placed in the center. Buzan attaches almost the main importance to highlighting the keyword of the associative chain
Drawings, pictures can be used to depict the central idea.
Each main branch has its own color.
Use only colored pencils, markers, etc. to create maps.
The main branches are connected to the central idea, and the branches of the second, third, etc. orders are connected to the main branches.
Branches must be curved, not straight (like the branches of a tree).
Only one keyword is written above each branch line.
For better memorization and assimilation, it is desirable to use pictures, pictures, associations about each word.

The result of work is an individual product of one person or one group. Expresses individual capabilities, creates space for the manifestation of creative abilities. nine0003

Of course, you can use special programs for compiling Mind Maps, such as MindJet Mind Manager, ConceptDraw MINDMAP, MindMapper, etc.

Benefits of mind maps :

easy to use
show the connections between phenomena, the logic of thinking
contribute to better memorization of information
put together a lot of data
develop creativity, thinking

This technique is good to use in group work at the stage of consolidating the passed lexical material on a certain topic.

9 . Rhymes, poems, songs

The study of lexical units takes place in a playful way, which contributes to the comfortable state of students in the lesson. Children usually have unstable attention. Therefore, it is imperative that in the lesson plan it is necessary to provide for the types of work that relieve stress, switch the attention of children, and cause a positive emotional mood. Learning rhymes, poems meets the age and psychological characteristics of children. They are easy to learn, have such features as rhythm, sound repetition. Reading poetry is fun for kids. And what is experienced emotionally positively remains in the memory for a long time, leaving a trace in the mind of the child. Thanks to rhyme, lexical and grammatical structures are easily activated in oral speech. nine0003

The fundamental point here is the use of an authentic speech sample, and here songs and poems have many advantages over prose material. They are easy to introduce, easy to remember, you can sing in chorus, which removes the psychological pressure from insecure students. In genuine song material, there are often whole phrases and individual lexical units that are specific to colloquial speech.

10. Crossword

Crosswords are a great way for students to activate their vocabulary. nine0003

This strategy can be used in the first lesson of a new topic. Students remember the words they will use in the next lesson.

A crossword puzzle is a great way to review what you've learned before doing a test. Invite students to make a crossword puzzle using new words from the topic studied. They will repeat their spelling, remember the meanings. For weak students, you can attach a thematic list of words to the crossword so that they can choose the right ones.

Of course, the list of strategies for expanding students' vocabulary can be continued, and each teacher will choose those methods that are closer to him.