39 ESL Vocabulary Activities: For Teenagers and Adults - Jackie Bolen, Jennifer Booker Smith 2015
Vocabulary square
Games and activities for all levels
Skill: Writing
Materials: Index cards (students should be told in advance to bring one card per vocabulary word); dictionary or textbook with glossary
This is a class activity to facilitate self-study as well as dictionary skills. Many students these days rely on their electronic dictionaries for translations and don’t develop their English- English dictionary skills. They may also not realize the benefits of flashcards for vocabulary selfstudy. Regular repetition of exposure to new words is necessary to commit them to working memory.
It is an easy activity to set up. Have students divide their index into four corners:
1. Write the meaning in the students own words.
2. Write at least one synonym and one antonym.
3. Write an example sentence.
4. Draw an image representing the term.
Remind students to review the flashcards at least once a day.
Teaching Tips:
You may want to complete a few examples together to remind students to restate the definitions rather than copying them. A PowerPoint of a restate the definitions rather than copying them. A PowerPoint of a completed index card will help students more easily understand the task. You could also draw an example on the whiteboard.
Procedure:
1. At least one class in advance, ask students to bring index cards. Alternatively, you can cut copy paper into 8 pieces, but it is not as durable.
2. Explain to students that flashcards are a great way to learn new vocabulary if they review the cards often.
3. Have students divide their index cards into four corners, and fill as follows:
1. Write the meaning in the students' own words.
2. Write at least one synonym and one antonym.
3. Write an example sentence.
4. Draw an image representing the term.