Vocabulary words are important because a large vocabulary increases a student's ability to express himself and understand others using language, both written and spoken. The key to teaching vocabulary is to use a variety of different methods and constantly reinforce it through activities, games and other applications. According to the Cobb County, Georgia education system's website, students need to encounter a word at least 15 times to really understand it. You can create these encounters using a variety of methods and activities.
Instructions
1. Explain the vocabulary word's definition and meaning to the class as a whole. Write the word on the board, ask students what they think the meaning is, then explain the definition. Use pictures and examples of the word in a sentence.
2. Distribute worksheets that have the vocabulary word in the middle with four "spokes." Each spoke can have a different activity for the vocabulary word -- an antonym, a synonym, a picture of the word. Let the students fill them out independently in order to practice applying their new vocabulary word.
3. Quiz students with flash cards. One side of the card can have the word, while the other should have a short definition, synonym, antonym or picture. For example, write "debonair" on one side, and "sophisticated and charming" on the other.
4. Create your own word searches and crossword puzzles on a regular basis to reinforce old vocabulary words. Have students take them home to work on alone sometimes and do them together in small groups other times.
5. Drill students with analogies to have students practice applying vocabulary words in relation to one another. For example, say "truck is to big as moped is to ___," expecting the answer "small."
6. Mix these strategies up on a daily basis, always making sure students are routinely exposed to both old and new words. This will ensure that children get the repetitive exposure they need.
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