Games & Activities for Teaching Vocabulary Words
Vocabulary drill practice drains the enjoyment out of the learning process for most children. Turning the practice into a game engages the students in the learning process. The entertaining nature of vocabulary games reinforces the words with the students, and they often don't even realize they're learning. These games work for any grade level by using age-appropriate vocabulary words for the activities.
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Vocabulary Word Sentences
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This activity utilizes the letters of a vocabulary word to construct a sentence. Write a vocabulary word on the board. Have the students use each letter as the beginning letter of words to create a sentence. For example, if the vocabulary word is "lions," the sentence could be, "Little iguanas only need sun." Encourage the students to develop creative sentences. They need not make sense, but they should maintain proper sentence structure. Take turns sharing the sentences. Repeat the activity with other vocabulary words.
Vocabulary Riddles
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Riddles provide an entertaining way for students to identify vocabulary words. Use the definition of a vocabulary word to create a riddle. For example, a riddle for the word "umbrella" might go, "When the drops start to fall, I come in handy. My waterproof top is really quite dandy." Whether or not the riddles rhyme, use a playful tone to appeal to the students. Vocabulary riddles work as an oral activity for the class or as a written assignment in the form of a worksheet.
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Bang
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Select at least 20 vocabulary words that you wish to practice. Write each word on a separate wooden craft stick. Write the word "bang" on at least three additional craft sticks. Place all of the sticks into an empty coffee can. The first student draws a stick from the can, reading the vocabulary word. If the student reads the word correctly, she keeps the stick. The stick is returned to the can if she cannot read it. Game play continues with each child drawing a stick and reading the word. If a stick with the word "bang" is drawn, the student places all of his sticks back in the can. The bang stick remains out of the can. Continue playing until all of the sticks are used. The person with the most sticks wins.
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