Vocabulary Lesson Classroom Ideas Page 3
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4activity, Semantic Mapping can be used to activate prior knowledge and to introduce key vocabulary
words. As a postreading 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 postreading instruction, it is
suggested that different colored pens be used as ideas are recorded.
The teacher decides on a topic for instruction and the new words that are important to be taught.
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The topic or concept is briefly introduced, and a key word is written on the chalkboard, overhead
transparency, or chart paper.
Students are asked to think of other words that come to mind when they read the key word. It is
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also appropriate for the students to write down a list of these words to be shared with the class.
The students share their recorded words. If any of the teacher's "new words" are not suggested, the
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teacher presents them for discussion.
After the list of words is completed, the words are grouped by category. Students discuss why
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certain words go together. Category names are assigned.
A class map of the words is created by putting the information on a large sheet of paper. The map
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is discussed. At this time, students are encouraged to add items to the categories or even to suggest
new categories.
As other new words that relate to the topic are discovered through the reading of the text,
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additions are made to the map.
12. Venn Diagrams
( )
A commonly used organizer is the Venn diagram. It consists of overlapping circles for listing the
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characteristics of each word and shared similarities.
A variation is overlapping rectangles. Include lines inside the circles or rectangles for students to record the
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information. Write the two words being compared at the top of the diagram.
13. Vocabulary Bingo
(Reiss, 2008)
Makes learning new vocabulary fun.
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Hand out preprinted Bingo grids.
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Let students fill out the week’s vocabulary words in any pattern on their papers.
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Instead of saying the word, pantomime, show, draw or give a verbal description (synonym).
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Winner must not just say the winning word, but use them all in a sentence!
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Increase motivation and participation by using a team approach that invites the team to create the
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sentences.
14. Vocabulary Helpers
(Reiss, 2008)
Designate students to be your vocabulary helpers.
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Ask more advanced ELL students to preview text chapters and look for potentially confusing vocabulary.
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Synonyms for concepts
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Idiomatic uses of words
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15. Word Expert Cards
(Richek & McTague, 2008)
Each student in the class takes the responsibility for thoroughly learning a few words – then teaching them
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to peers.
Excellent for teaching tier 3 words.
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Each student takes 2-5 words form a new unit or chapter.
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Each “word expert” constructs a card for each vocabulary word using a teacher-approved rough draft of
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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
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they exchange cards.
Compiled by Rebecca S. Martinez, Ph.D.
rsm@indiana.edu
Page 3 of 4
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