20 Vocabulary Lesson Ideas
1. Anything Goes (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• This is used as a quick review of words that moves students from hesitation to rapid use.
• The teacher presents students with a list of words (board, overhead or word wall).
• Teacher or student points to a word and asks:
i. What part of speech is _______?
ii. What is the definition of _______?
iii. Give another form of _______.
iv. Spell (a derivative or inflected form of) _______.
v. Use _______ in a sentence.
vi. Use _______ and _______ in a sentence.
vii. What do _______ and _______ have in common?
viii. Find two words that have to do with _______.
ix. Find a (the) root (or prefix, suffix) in _______.
2. Brain Power Words (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• 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.
i. Clues of substitution: A known word would make sense in the context and is probably a good
definition.
ii. Clues of definition: The word is defined in the text (many textbooks do this).
iii. Clues of opposition: Words “not, unlike” etc. are excellent clues to what a word is not and thus
help define the words.
• After Brain Power Words list is identified and definitions sought, the students check their work with the
teacher.
3. Concept Cube (Montgomery, 2008)
• Students receive six-square pattern on tagboard that can be folded up and taped into a three-dimensional
cube, which will be 4” on each side.
• Before folding, students write clearly in each square following directions below.
• Each student is given one challenging vocabulary word from a recent reading and asked to:
i. Write the assigned vocabulary word in one square.
ii. Write a synonym (word or phrase) in another square.
iii. Write an antonym (word or phrase) in another square.
iv. Write a category or categories it could belong to.
v. Write the essential characteristics of the concept of this word.
vi. 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.
• Teachers scaffold as necessary.
• After students know their own cube without any errors, they exchange with a peer.
4. Concept Definition Map
• A graphic organizer that has students draw an illustration representing their text to help them think about it
in terms of definitions, related concepts, and examples.
• Helps them to learn new vocabulary and concepts in a more holistic way.
• May be used for a single concept or for an entire passage.
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 2 of 4
5. Connect Two (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• The game where two lists of words are put on a blackboard or overhead projector.
• Students are asked to make connections between a word on the first list and a word on the second list
and they must explain the reason for the connection that they made.
6. Dictionary games (Reiss, 2008)
• Set up timed competitions.
• Group students by tables or set one-half of the room against the other.
• Gamelike structure motivates and involves students.
7. Find that Word (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• Students are asked to record words they are studying when they encounter them in reading and speech.
• This enables students to see the words in different contexts and deepens their vocabulary knowledge.
• The teacher gives students a list of target words.
• Students are to write the sentence in which the words appear (students can be given strips of paper).
• One way to add interest is to see how many a class can collect!
• Devote a few minutes each week to reading the sentences – then post them.
• Points can be awarded for:
i. 1 point – Student saw or heard the word in speech, print or the media.
ii. 2 points – Students used the word in speech (peer wrote the sentence).
iii. 3 points – Students used the word in writing.
• The activity takes a minimum of instructional time, yet encourages notice and use of vocabulary words.
8. Language Detectives(Reiss, 2008)
• Identify “Language Detectives.”
• ELLs or Spanish speakers who find academic words with Spanish cognates.
• What it does: decreases language load so ELLs can access the content.
9. Pair-Define-Explain (Reiss, 2008)
• Teach vocabulary by sprinkling your instruction with interesting words and phrases.
• Pair the word or phrase with high-frequency synonym, definition, explanation or visual depiction.
• Repeat them frequently always pairing with the explanatory source.
• He committed an egregious error – a very bad mistake.
• The liquid becomes effervescent – bubbly, full of bubbles – when we stir it.
• The Pilgrims embarked on a long journey. They began…they started on a long trip.
• She was motivated by vengeance –she wanted to punish him, sort of getting back or get even with him.
10. Personal Dictionaries (Reiss, 2008)
• Have Students Develop a Personal Dictionary.
• You or students select the organizing principle:
Subject-specific
Alphabetical
General/technical
Social/academic
• English only or bilingual; Can include native language translations; Antonyms and synonyms
11. Semantic Maps (http://www.learningpt.org/literacy/adolescent/strategies/semantic.php)
• A Semantic Map is one type of graphic organizer. It helps students visually organize and graphically show
the relationship between one piece of information and another. Researchers have identified this strategy as
an excellent technique for increasing vocabulary and improving reading comprehension. As a prereading
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 3 of 4
activity, Semantic Mapping can be used to activate prior knowledge and to introduce key vocabulary
words. As a post-reading activity, words, categories, and new concepts can be added to the original maps
to enhance understanding. If the strategy is used during both prereading and post-reading instruction, it is
suggested that different colored pens be used as ideas are recorded.
o The teacher decides on a topic for instruction and the new words that are important to be taught.
The topic or concept is briefly introduced, and a keyword is written on the chalkboard, overhead
transparency, or chart paper.
o Students are asked to think of other words that come to mind when they read the keyword. It is
also appropriate for the students to write down a list of these words to be shared with the class.
o The students share their recorded words. If any of the teacher's "new words" are not suggested, the
teacher presents them for discussion.
o After the list of words is completed, the words are grouped by category. Students discuss why
certain words go together. Category names are assigned.
o A class map of the words is created by putting the information on a large sheet of paper. The map
is discussed. At this time, students are encouraged to add items to the categories or even to suggest
new categories.
o As other new words that relate to the topic are discovered through the reading of the text,
additions are made to the map.
12. Venn Diagrams (http://www.dpsk12.org/departments/secondary/tip5res.htm)
• A commonly used organizer is the Venn diagram. It consists of overlapping circles for listing the
characteristics of each word and shared similarities.
• A variation is overlapping rectangles. Include lines inside the circles or rectangles for students to record the
information. Write the two words being compared at the top of the diagram.
13. Vocabulary Bingo (Reiss, 2008)
• It makes learning new vocabulary fun.
• Hand out preprinted Bingo grids.
• Let students fill out the week’s vocabulary words in any pattern on their papers.
• Instead of saying the word, pantomime, show, draw or give a verbal description (synonym).
• Winner must not just say the winning word, but use them all in a sentence!
• Increase motivation and participation by using a team approach that invites the team to create the
sentences.
14. Vocabulary Helpers (Reiss, 2008)
• Designate students to be your vocabulary helpers.
• Ask more advanced ELL students to preview text chapters and look for potentially confusing vocabulary.
o Synonyms for concepts
o Idiomatic uses of words
15. Word Expert Cards (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• Each student in the class takes responsibility for thoroughly learning a few words – then teaching them
to peers.
• Excellent for teaching tier 3 words.
• Each student takes 2-5 words to form a new unit or chapter.
• Each “word expert” constructs a card for each vocabulary word using a teacher-approved rough draft of
the word’s definition, part of speech and an illustration.
• After a “word expert” is finished with his or her cards, the student presents her cards to a classmate and
they exchange cards.
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 4 of 4
16. Word of the Week Program (Reiss, 2008)
• Do this as a school.
• Students select the word and submit it for consideration to Ms. Hijonosa.
• Ms. Hinojosa announces the word during the announcements on Monday.
• Everyone commits to making every effort to use the word daily in natural and meaningful academic classes.
17. Word Up! (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• The teacher identifies words from selected material (novel, short story, news article) and writes them on cards.
• 1-2 cards are distributed to each student.
• The teacher reads the selection and each student holds up an appropriate word card each time the targeted word is
read.
18. Word Walls (Gaquin, 2008)
• Word walls can be as effective in upper-grade classrooms as they are in the primary grades. With word
walls, teachers can help students develop reading and writing vocabulary, enhance content learning, and
support struggling readers and English as second language students.
• As students master a word, it should be retired to a shoebox and newer words added to the wall. The
“shoebox” words can be reviewed before cumulative tests, or used to help students make connections
between past learning and new topics. Word walls work best when they are interactive, with words that
can be easily added, removed or rearranged. Pocket charts, or index cards with peel-and-stick Velcro, or
peel-and-stick magnetic strips work well.
19. Word Wizards (Reiss, 2008)
• Make vocabulary growth an ongoing objective in your classroom.
• Create a word wall.
• Students can write new words they come across.
• Show your appreciation for uncommon and interesting words with comments of praise when students use
them.
20. Marzano’s six steps for direct vocabulary instruction
Step one: The teacher explains a new word, going beyond reciting its definition (tap into prior knowledge of
students, use imagery).
Step two: Students restate or explain the new word in their own words (verbally and/or in writing).
Step three: Ask students to create a non-linguistic representation of the word (a picture, or symbolic
representation).
Step four: Students engage in activities to deepen their knowledge of the new word (compare words, classify
terms write their own analogies and metaphors).
Step five: Students discuss the new word (pair-share, elbow partners).
Step six: Students periodically play games to review new vocabulary (Pyramid, Jeopardy, Telephone).
1. Anything Goes (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• This is used as a quick review of words that moves students from hesitation to rapid use.
• The teacher presents students with a list of words (board, overhead or word wall).
• Teacher or student points to a word and asks:
i. What part of speech is _______?
ii. What is the definition of _______?
iii. Give another form of _______.
iv. Spell (a derivative or inflected form of) _______.
v. Use _______ in a sentence.
vi. Use _______ and _______ in a sentence.
vii. What do _______ and _______ have in common?
viii. Find two words that have to do with _______.
ix. Find a (the) root (or prefix, suffix) in _______.
2. Brain Power Words (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• 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.
i. Clues of substitution: A known word would make sense in the context and is probably a good
definition.
ii. Clues of definition: The word is defined in the text (many textbooks do this).
iii. Clues of opposition: Words “not, unlike” etc. are excellent clues to what a word is not and thus
help define the words.
• After Brain Power Words list is identified and definitions sought, the students check their work with the
teacher.
3. Concept Cube (Montgomery, 2008)
• Students receive six-square pattern on tagboard that can be folded up and taped into a three-dimensional
cube, which will be 4” on each side.
• Before folding, students write clearly in each square following directions below.
• Each student is given one challenging vocabulary word from a recent reading and asked to:
i. Write the assigned vocabulary word in one square.
ii. Write a synonym (word or phrase) in another square.
iii. Write an antonym (word or phrase) in another square.
iv. Write a category or categories it could belong to.
v. Write the essential characteristics of the concept of this word.
vi. 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.
• Teachers scaffold as necessary.
• After students know their own cube without any errors, they exchange with a peer.
4. Concept Definition Map
• A graphic organizer that has students draw an illustration representing their text to help them think about it
in terms of definitions, related concepts, and examples.
• Helps them to learn new vocabulary and concepts in a more holistic way.
• May be used for a single concept or for an entire passage.
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 2 of 4
5. Connect Two (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• The game where two lists of words are put on a blackboard or overhead projector.
• Students are asked to make connections between a word on the first list and a word on the second list
and they must explain the reason for the connection that they made.
6. Dictionary games (Reiss, 2008)
• Set up timed competitions.
• Group students by tables or set one-half of the room against the other.
• Gamelike structure motivates and involves students.
7. Find that Word (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• Students are asked to record words they are studying when they encounter them in reading and speech.
• This enables students to see the words in different contexts and deepens their vocabulary knowledge.
• The teacher gives students a list of target words.
• Students are to write the sentence in which the words appear (students can be given strips of paper).
• One way to add interest is to see how many a class can collect!
• Devote a few minutes each week to reading the sentences – then post them.
• Points can be awarded for:
i. 1 point – Student saw or heard the word in speech, print or the media.
ii. 2 points – Students used the word in speech (peer wrote the sentence).
iii. 3 points – Students used the word in writing.
• The activity takes a minimum of instructional time, yet encourages notice and use of vocabulary words.
8. Language Detectives(Reiss, 2008)
• Identify “Language Detectives.”
• ELLs or Spanish speakers who find academic words with Spanish cognates.
• What it does: decreases language load so ELLs can access the content.
9. Pair-Define-Explain (Reiss, 2008)
• Teach vocabulary by sprinkling your instruction with interesting words and phrases.
• Pair the word or phrase with high-frequency synonym, definition, explanation or visual depiction.
• Repeat them frequently always pairing with the explanatory source.
• He committed an egregious error – a very bad mistake.
• The liquid becomes effervescent – bubbly, full of bubbles – when we stir it.
• The Pilgrims embarked on a long journey. They began…they started on a long trip.
• She was motivated by vengeance –she wanted to punish him, sort of getting back or get even with him.
10. Personal Dictionaries (Reiss, 2008)
• Have Students Develop a Personal Dictionary.
• You or students select the organizing principle:
Subject-specific
Alphabetical
General/technical
Social/academic
• English only or bilingual; Can include native language translations; Antonyms and synonyms
11. Semantic Maps (http://www.learningpt.org/literacy/adolescent/strategies/semantic.php)
• A Semantic Map is one type of graphic organizer. It helps students visually organize and graphically show
the relationship between one piece of information and another. Researchers have identified this strategy as
an excellent technique for increasing vocabulary and improving reading comprehension. As a prereading
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 3 of 4
activity, Semantic Mapping can be used to activate prior knowledge and to introduce key vocabulary
words. As a post-reading activity, words, categories, and new concepts can be added to the original maps
to enhance understanding. If the strategy is used during both prereading and post-reading instruction, it is
suggested that different colored pens be used as ideas are recorded.
o The teacher decides on a topic for instruction and the new words that are important to be taught.
The topic or concept is briefly introduced, and a keyword is written on the chalkboard, overhead
transparency, or chart paper.
o Students are asked to think of other words that come to mind when they read the keyword. It is
also appropriate for the students to write down a list of these words to be shared with the class.
o The students share their recorded words. If any of the teacher's "new words" are not suggested, the
teacher presents them for discussion.
o After the list of words is completed, the words are grouped by category. Students discuss why
certain words go together. Category names are assigned.
o A class map of the words is created by putting the information on a large sheet of paper. The map
is discussed. At this time, students are encouraged to add items to the categories or even to suggest
new categories.
o As other new words that relate to the topic are discovered through the reading of the text,
additions are made to the map.
12. Venn Diagrams (http://www.dpsk12.org/departments/secondary/tip5res.htm)
• A commonly used organizer is the Venn diagram. It consists of overlapping circles for listing the
characteristics of each word and shared similarities.
• A variation is overlapping rectangles. Include lines inside the circles or rectangles for students to record the
information. Write the two words being compared at the top of the diagram.
13. Vocabulary Bingo (Reiss, 2008)
• It makes learning new vocabulary fun.
• Hand out preprinted Bingo grids.
• Let students fill out the week’s vocabulary words in any pattern on their papers.
• Instead of saying the word, pantomime, show, draw or give a verbal description (synonym).
• Winner must not just say the winning word, but use them all in a sentence!
• Increase motivation and participation by using a team approach that invites the team to create the
sentences.
14. Vocabulary Helpers (Reiss, 2008)
• Designate students to be your vocabulary helpers.
• Ask more advanced ELL students to preview text chapters and look for potentially confusing vocabulary.
o Synonyms for concepts
o Idiomatic uses of words
15. Word Expert Cards (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• Each student in the class takes responsibility for thoroughly learning a few words – then teaching them
to peers.
• Excellent for teaching tier 3 words.
• Each student takes 2-5 words to form a new unit or chapter.
• Each “word expert” constructs a card for each vocabulary word using a teacher-approved rough draft of
the word’s definition, part of speech and an illustration.
• After a “word expert” is finished with his or her cards, the student presents her cards to a classmate and
they exchange cards.
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D. rsm@indiana.edu Page 4 of 4
16. Word of the Week Program (Reiss, 2008)
• Do this as a school.
• Students select the word and submit it for consideration to Ms. Hijonosa.
• Ms. Hinojosa announces the word during the announcements on Monday.
• Everyone commits to making every effort to use the word daily in natural and meaningful academic classes.
17. Word Up! (Richek & McTague, 2008)
• The teacher identifies words from selected material (novel, short story, news article) and writes them on cards.
• 1-2 cards are distributed to each student.
• The teacher reads the selection and each student holds up an appropriate word card each time the targeted word is
read.
18. Word Walls (Gaquin, 2008)
• Word walls can be as effective in upper-grade classrooms as they are in the primary grades. With word
walls, teachers can help students develop reading and writing vocabulary, enhance content learning, and
support struggling readers and English as second language students.
• As students master a word, it should be retired to a shoebox and newer words added to the wall. The
“shoebox” words can be reviewed before cumulative tests, or used to help students make connections
between past learning and new topics. Word walls work best when they are interactive, with words that
can be easily added, removed or rearranged. Pocket charts, or index cards with peel-and-stick Velcro, or
peel-and-stick magnetic strips work well.
19. Word Wizards (Reiss, 2008)
• Make vocabulary growth an ongoing objective in your classroom.
• Create a word wall.
• Students can write new words they come across.
• Show your appreciation for uncommon and interesting words with comments of praise when students use
them.
20. Marzano’s six steps for direct vocabulary instruction
Step one: The teacher explains a new word, going beyond reciting its definition (tap into prior knowledge of
students, use imagery).
Step two: Students restate or explain the new word in their own words (verbally and/or in writing).
Step three: Ask students to create a non-linguistic representation of the word (a picture, or symbolic
representation).
Step four: Students engage in activities to deepen their knowledge of the new word (compare words, classify
terms write their own analogies and metaphors).
Step five: Students discuss the new word (pair-share, elbow partners).
Step six: Students periodically play games to review new vocabulary (Pyramid, Jeopardy, Telephone).
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