Teaching academic vocabulary to learners can be challenging. It requires creativity, engagement and a touch of fun to ensure that the process is not only effective but also enjoyable.
We all know that vocabulary is so important for comprehension and academic success. Research has shown a strong correlation between vocabulary knowledge and academic achievement. Yet some educators think that students will learn vocabulary incidentally or indirectly in their readings. This is often not the case for many students. Vocabulary instruction, especially academic vocabulary, should be scaffolded, explicit and systematic. In addition to explicit and systematic vocabulary lessons, there are fun and engaging activities that can be incorporated in the classroom. Here are just a few:
- Vocabulary Charades: This can be used as a fun review for any vocabulary words.
- Academic Word Walls: Have students add to the word wall as they encounter words they have learned in their readings.
- Academic Vocabulary journals: Provide students with journals where they can record new words, their definitions and examples of how each word is used. Encourage them to illustrate the words or write sentences of the new words.
- Academic Word Games: Turn vocabulary learning into an engaging experience by incorporating word games such as Academic Mystery Words or Academic Vocabulary Bingo. These games reinforce the meanings of academic vocabulary in an engaging way as well as build collaboration among students. In Academic Mystery Words students have four clues to try and guess the mystery word. Students love the challenge and are learning at the same time. Click here or below for a free sample.
Another fun and effective activity is Academic Vocabulary Bingo. Click here or below to learn more about this engaging game.
Teaching academic vocabulary doesn’t have to be tedious or boring. By infusing creativity and fun into vocabulary instruction, teachers can make the learning process memorable for students. Let me know of any other ideas you may have.
