Teaching ESL Vocabulary

Most teachers know how to teach vocabulary using pictures and examples. Most ESL students are familiar with word lists. While memorization of word lists has its place in a teaching vocabulary strategy, most researchers agree, vocabulary is learned by making as many links to the vocabulary as possible.

Go beyond the walls of the classroom to incorporate the vocabulary into hands on activities and games, as well as discussions involving both the whole class and small groups about activities in the student's real life. The more different contexts the words can be presented and used, the better the retention.

Here are some tips and pointers for teaching vocabulary:

- Allow students to use the vocabulary in real stories about their life. Making real world connections gives the vocabulary a 100% better chance of leaving the classroom.

- Use games, props and materials to get students so involved, they forget they are learning!

- Allow students to create their own games and materials. This way, the vocabulary and concepts are addressed through the activity, but they are also utilized in the making of them, adding one more link to increase vocabulary and concept usage.



Vocabulary Exercises in our store >>>

Permission is granted to republish this article on your website on condition that you include the byline with all hyperlinks intact.
George and Daisy Stocker have traveled the world teaching ESL to children and adults. Their website, ESL Activities offers ESL curriculum, activities, an online forum for ESL teachers and students, plus a free ESL teachers newsletter! Their second website ESL for Kids offers curriculum and storybooks for children.



FREE Bingo
Game!

Bingo is one of the most fun and best ESL learning game there is.

Try out our approach to learning and ESL with this free sample.


Your First Name:
Your Email:
What Level ESL do you teach?




We respect your email privacy and it's easy to cancel by clicking one link!
ESL Activities Curriculum Teacher Resources Affiliate Program ESL Jobs Favorites


Learning English with Laughter Copyright © 2007, All rights reserved.
Learning English with laughter offers english as a second language products and services including esl activities, curriculum, and job posting