39 ESL Vocabulary Activities: For Teenagers and Adults - Jackie Bolen, Jennifer Booker Smith 2015

Word association
Games and activities for all levels

Skills: Reading/Writing/Listening/Speaking

Time: 5 minutes

Materials: Whiteboard and markers or butcher (A3) paper and pens

To introduce a new vocabulary word, write it in the middle of the board or paper and have students take turns adding as many words or images related to that word as possible. For large classes, have students work in groups with separate pieces of paper taped to the wall or the top of the table/grouped desks. After a given amount of time (2-3 minutes, or when you see no one is adding anything new), discuss their answers.

Teaching Tips:

For large classes, butcher paper works best because more students can write at one time. If that isn’t possible, have 5-6 board markers available.

If you're using butcher paper, prepare in advance by taping it to the wall unless students will be working at their desks. If students will be working at their desks, write the word on each table’s page in advance, but don’t hand them out, until you have given your instructions.

3. After 2-3 minutes (or less, if no one is adding anything new), discuss their answers.