Fun ways to teach vocabulary

There are so many fun and engaging ways to teach vocabulary. We need to make sure that we start with visuals such as word walls, but go even further and to VISUALLY show a picture and the definition of the word when possible! (resource: http://life-between-summers.com/2019/12/01/5-engaging-strategies-for-teaching-vocabulary-words/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=914356402_40076626_265865)

Another that is very fun an engaging is scrabble! I always loved playing scrabble as a kiddo and what better way to learn vocabulary but still have fun at the same time?! Scrabble is a game that could be played in the classroom in small group rotations and could be played at home as well for students to continue to learn at home.

Using the charts like above with the word, picture, and definition the students can play a game of finding the matches. Mix all of the words, pictures, and definitions up and then the students need to fine the matches back.

Bingo is a really fun way to teach vocabulary. Having bingo cards with the vocabulary words on them and as the teacher we tell the definition and then students find the vocabulary word that we are defining.

Popcorn is a great game that could be fun.  (resource: https://www.notsowimpyteacher.com/2016/11/10-games-to-play-with-any-vocabulary.html) Students take turn drawing one card out and then say the definition. If the definition is correct the student gets to keep the card, if they are incorrect then the word goes back in the bag. The students can play for a certain amount of time or they can go until the cards are all out of the bag. Throw in some real popcorn for the students to eat once in a while and the students would be over the top excited.

Dice games are always fun. Kiddos love to roll dice. The next way to teach vocabulary would be to play a dice game. Depending on what the student rolls would determine what they need to do for each word.  Have a list of word and have them roll the dice then they must pick a word to fill in the blank depending on the number they rolled. 1. give definition of a word, 2. give a synonym or antonym of a word, 3. write a sentence using a word, 4. draw a picture of a word, 5. make a connection, and 6. students choice.