Strong knowledge of vocabulary is highly significant for language learners to communicate effectively. At times, communication breakdowns are caused by a lack of lexical competence. For more advanced learners, the difficulty in articulating their message using exact and specific words can lead to frustration. It is the teachers’ job to help the learners acquire new words to enhance their communication ability. Below are several activities that can be used to teach vocabulary.

1.     Matching synonyms/opposite

Knowing a word does not only refer to the ability to recall the definition of the word but also to know the word’s synonym or antonym. Having an activity where learners learn about word synonyms or antonyms will surely expand their vocabulary knowledge.

2.     Odd one out

Learning words association and word categories often help learners with memorizing vocabulary they are learning. That’s why lessons tend to be given based on a theme or topic to help learners learn a particular group of words at the same time.

Example:

apple              pear               jam              apricot

coat                jumper          sweater         heater

3.     Categories – You give the example; students give the category. Or vice versa.

This activity is similar to activity no 2 which applies the principle of thematic-based vocabulary learning.

4.     Sentence completion  

It is often helpful to have an activity where learners use their knowledge and creativity in completing sentences. Create an endless possibility for learners to use their own words to complete blank sentences like the following.

I was exhausted after ___________________

Happiness is when _________________

5.     Completing the definitions – How are these actions performed?   

This activity is perfect for intermediate learners who are learning about adverbs as they likely start to feel the need to express things more precisely.

thrust = to push ____________________  (forcefully, hard)

shatter = to break ____________________  (into many pieces)

tap = to hit _____________________  (lightly, softly)

6.     Vocabulary Ladder Puzzle Directions

Example: The five missing words in the vocabulary ladder all have three letters. Each word differs from the word immediately above or immediately below by only one letter. Use this information and the clues to solve the puzzle.

1.  __ __ __ My first pet was a ___.

2.  __ __ __ When I was shaving this morning, I ___ myself.

3.  __ __ __ Would you like a ___ of coffee?

4.  __ __ __ A baby dog is called a puppy or a ___.

5.  __ __ __ Let’s ___ some popcorn! I’m hungry.

Explore many other possibilities to expand your learner’s capacity in learning vocabulary. Perhaps the most common way is to use pictures and flashcards. With most classes conducted online as today, it is always helpful to use audiovisual learning materials or internet resources to support the learning activity. The resources allow learners to learn the pronunciation, the word stress, as well as the meaning and how to use the words in spoken or written texts.

*The writer also posted this article on her personal blog on https://aclassroomdiary.wordpress.com/2020/08/13/activities-for-teaching-vocabulary/

**photo credit: www.unsplash.com