How to Improve Vocabulary Use in My Classroom

Students can improve their vocabulary through games and reading.

Children are constantly learning new words and improving their vocabulary. As a teacher, you can introduce new words to your students, along with offering them methods for remembering and learning the definitions. Any age group can benefit from these methods, as long as the words are age-appropriate and will challenge the students.

Things You'll Need

• Notebooks
• Crossword puzzles

Instructions

1. Give each student a "Definition Notebook." Any time he sees a word that he doesn't understand, he can write it down and look it up when it's convenient.

2. Introduce a new word to your students each day. Have them write the word and definition in their notebook.

3. Give your students a crossword puzzle at the end of the week, using the words they've learned during the week as the answers. This is a way for the students to be tested while also having fun.

4. Incorporate vocabulary-building games and activities into your students' daily schedule. Hangman is one that can be played by a class.

5. Use new words when speaking to your students. Tell them to raise their hand to ask about any word they don't understand. If they're not comfortable doing that, they can write the word down in their notebook and either ask you later or look it up.

References

• ImprovingVocabulary.org: Vocabulary Improvement Technique #7 - How Children Do it
• ImprovingVocabulary.org: The Top Ten Ways to Build Your Vocabulary
• Christian Mommies: 12 Ideas for Improving Vocabulary

Resources

• Vocabulary.com