Teaching and embedding vocabulary

  • Flashcards and word mats help introduce, practice and recall vocabulary.

    They support pupils to remember and use new words with confidence.

    Images add context and help pupils connect new vocabulary to what they already know.

    Using flashcards to pre-teach vocabulary reduces the language demands in lessons while keeping the level of challenge the same.

    Example flashcards can be found on LearnEnglish Kids. Or you could make your own using photographs and words. 

     

    Flashcards can also be used for simple games to help pupils practice vocabulary in an engaging way. You could:
    • place cards face up on the table - point to a card and ask pupils to say the word, a noun phrase or a short sentence
    • play ‘splat’ in a small group - say a word and ask pupils to find the matching card - the first pupil to touch the card says “splat” and the word, then keeps the card and the winner is the pupil with the most cards at the end
    • place cards face down on the table and ask pupils to turn over a card and say the word, a noun phrase or a short sentence
    • play bingo using the vocabulary on the cards
    • play four in a row using the cards

     

     

  • Research shows that pupils need to hear new vocabulary many times in meaningful contexts to learn and remember it.

    You can view a range of curriculum-based games and group talk activities on the Collaborative Learning website. These are fun, motivating and support active learning and language development.

  • You can find games that teach and embed vocabulary, develop grammar, scaffold reading and writing and cover many topics on the British Council 'Learn English Kids' website.

  • There is a 7-week programme covering topics such as key verbs adjectives, survival English and much more available via the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service.