In Word Drawings, students write the vocabulary word, then turn parts (or all) of the word into a graphic representation of that word, such as turning the 'a' in volcano into a volcano.
The Frayer model is a classic vocabulary activity that works on any content.
Students can record the definition, example, and nonexample of the word,
If you move the word to the center of the model, you can also squeeze in an illustration of the word in one of the 4 corners.
Heads Up is a lot of fun as a vocabulary review. You can write the vocabulary words on index cards. One student in the group holds it to their forehead and the rest of the group gives clues to help that student guess the word.
As an added challenge, you can also have them give clues without speaking at all.
Quizlet.Live is a fun way to review vocabulary. The teacher builds the flashcards on quizlet.com. Once there are at least 12 terms, 'Live' becomes an option to play. A code is given to students to join, and the game randomly assigns them into groups.
The definition appears at the top of each device in the group, but each device has different answer choices. The group must work together to get the right answer. If wrong, their score returns to zero and they have to start again.
Study Stack is another digital flashcard resource. Teachers create flashcards for students that they can study on their own. Once they practice, they can play a game to review their vocabulary words. (If you click on the logo, it will take you to the Study Stack website).
The 'Double Bubble' mind map allows students to compare two vocabulary words. It is similar to a Venn Diagram, but easier for children to create on their own. It can also be easily converted into a popplet form.
Students can review multiple vocabulary words in a 'Review Pyramid' game. Have students write as many vocabulary words for a specific unit that they can think of on a separate sheet of paper.
The teacher will record the words he/she wants the students to remember, using the more important words higher up in the pyramid. Once students are done, the teacher will uncover each section. If a student has written the word on the pyramid, they earn the number of points for that section. The students with the most points wins.
Vocabulary Pictionary is a fun game to play with groups, and it follows the standard Pictionary rules.
Students select a vocabulary word and must draw it for their teammates without using any words, letters, or numbers. Teammates must guess the vocabulary word before the time runs out.
If time has run out and no one has guessed, the other team has the chance to make one guess and earn the point.
Using gestures, hand signals, and body movement is a great way for your students to connect to their vocabulary words! Check out Ms. Christian's class reviewing matter vocabulary during transition!
Acrostic poems are simple to write and an easy way to assess student understanding. Give students a vocabulary word and encourage them to use each letter in the word to write a word, phrase, or sentence about that vocabulary word.
Friends, Strangers, and Acquaintances is an activity for students to assess their own understanding of vocabulary words. They are given vocabulary words to sort into the 3 groups:
Friends (can define the word)
Strangers (never heard the word before)
Acquaintances (heard the word, can't define it)
The goal at the end of the unit is to make 2 strangers into friends.
In Vocabulary Villain, students use a vocabulary word to create a villain. They must describe the villain's super qualities that are based on the vocab word.
Students trade villains and become the heroes, devising a plan to vanquish their villains and save the world!
Interactive Word Walls are an amazing way for students to access their new vocabulary words as well as practice writing about the skill or concept being learned.!
In 'Splash', students choose a vocabulary word to write inside a folded page. On the outside, they draw as many sketches as they can think of related to that word. Then they have another minute to write additional words connected to their vocabulary word. When finished, students try and guess the vocabulary word.
Students create a Wanted poster for a vocabulary word. Each section represents a characteristic of that word.
Description (picture/visual of word)
Crime (definition of word)
Also Known As (synonyms)
Known Associates (concepts related to the word)
Reward (real world connection)
Beware (misconceptions related to the word)
In 'Word Wheel', the teacher records a root word in the center. In the outer spokes, students record words that contain this root word and their definitions.
this would possibly work well with cognates too
pictures or realia (real objects) can be added to the word wheel for students to make connections to the words recorded.
In 'Vocab-o-gram', the teacher would select words from the upcoming lesson (or reading passage) and write them on the board for students.
Students will use the words provided to predict what the upcoming lab/lesson/passage might be about based on those words.
At the end of the lab/lesson/passage, students would then add on any additional vocabulary words they think should be included with the list and why.
In 'Counting Dude, Bragging Dude', students must use at least 2 vocabulary words in one sentence.
The challenge for students would be how many vocabulary words they can effectively use in just 1 sentence.
In this activity, students are provided a list of vocabulary words. From this list, they select 2 that are connected to each other in some way and explain how they think the words are connected.
Then students return to the list and add a third word that is connected to the first two. The students will write how the three words are connected.