Study Tips
Vocabulary Study Activities
Below are some possible ways you can better learn and study your vocabulary words. You may want to create a study schedule to practice a little bit each day. For example, on Day 1 you might create flashcards, Day 2 you practice them with your sibling; Day 3 you illustrate the words, and so on, choosing a new activity each day.
1. Use Quizlet
Practice using the flashcards and games to review the words and their meanings!
2. Illustrate the words
Find pictures or video clips that demonstrate the meaning of a word. Draw and label something illustrating the meaning of the word. This is not limited to concrete nouns – a grim expression, a contemplative person, or absurd conduct can also be drawn. The labels explain how the word and drawing fit. Drawing skills are not important; stick figures with accurate labels can succinctly express an idea as well as finely crafted caricatures. Flashcards can be made more meaningful with illustrations, as well.
3. Play "Quick Draw"
This doesn't have to be competitive, but it can be. See how quickly you can convey the essence of a words meaning on the board – without words. This works especially well with words describing visual concepts, like many geography terms.
4. Play "vocabulary charades"
Select a word from a hat and act it out. Have your partner guess the word based on your actions.
5. Finding the word used in the real world
Be on the lookout for your words in real life! Did you see the word in a book? Hear it while watching a movie or during a dinner conversation? Keep a log of the words you notice in your world. If you don’t notice them, try to use them yourself. Weave in a vocabulary word during your own conversations or in a journal.
6. Ask and answer questions that use the words
For example: "What are three ways you could tell a person had just received grim news?" "What are three things an impertinent person might say?" "What are three things that would disconcert you?"
7. Generate examples and non-examples for words
Find examples and non-examples of words. You can draw pictures or illustrations or find words.
8. Crossword puzzle
Create a crossword puzzle using the words and their meanings. One website to help create crossword puzzles are other games is: puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com
9. Compose with the words
Write a short story using as many of the words as possible. It can about anything you would like and may be silly or spooky.
10. Flashcards
Create flashcards with the word on one side and meaning on the other. You can also include a picture to help you remember. Study the flashcards with a friend or parent. You can play a game taking turns to see who can get the most word meanings correct.
11. Visual Imaging
When you use visual imaging, you think of a word that either looks like or sounds like the word whose meaning you are trying to learn. Thinking of the picture of the look-alike word and/or image will help you remember the word and its meaning.
12. Word sorts
Study the definitions and spelling patterns and try to make relationships among the words. Sort or group words by first letter, prefix, suffix or root, meaning, or by part of speech.
Below are some possible ways you can better learn and study your vocabulary words. You may want to create a study schedule to practice a little bit each day. For example, on Day 1 you might create flashcards, Day 2 you practice them with your sibling; Day 3 you illustrate the words, and so on, choosing a new activity each day.
1. Use Quizlet
Practice using the flashcards and games to review the words and their meanings!
2. Illustrate the words
Find pictures or video clips that demonstrate the meaning of a word. Draw and label something illustrating the meaning of the word. This is not limited to concrete nouns – a grim expression, a contemplative person, or absurd conduct can also be drawn. The labels explain how the word and drawing fit. Drawing skills are not important; stick figures with accurate labels can succinctly express an idea as well as finely crafted caricatures. Flashcards can be made more meaningful with illustrations, as well.
3. Play "Quick Draw"
This doesn't have to be competitive, but it can be. See how quickly you can convey the essence of a words meaning on the board – without words. This works especially well with words describing visual concepts, like many geography terms.
4. Play "vocabulary charades"
Select a word from a hat and act it out. Have your partner guess the word based on your actions.
5. Finding the word used in the real world
Be on the lookout for your words in real life! Did you see the word in a book? Hear it while watching a movie or during a dinner conversation? Keep a log of the words you notice in your world. If you don’t notice them, try to use them yourself. Weave in a vocabulary word during your own conversations or in a journal.
6. Ask and answer questions that use the words
For example: "What are three ways you could tell a person had just received grim news?" "What are three things an impertinent person might say?" "What are three things that would disconcert you?"
7. Generate examples and non-examples for words
Find examples and non-examples of words. You can draw pictures or illustrations or find words.
8. Crossword puzzle
Create a crossword puzzle using the words and their meanings. One website to help create crossword puzzles are other games is: puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com
9. Compose with the words
Write a short story using as many of the words as possible. It can about anything you would like and may be silly or spooky.
10. Flashcards
Create flashcards with the word on one side and meaning on the other. You can also include a picture to help you remember. Study the flashcards with a friend or parent. You can play a game taking turns to see who can get the most word meanings correct.
11. Visual Imaging
When you use visual imaging, you think of a word that either looks like or sounds like the word whose meaning you are trying to learn. Thinking of the picture of the look-alike word and/or image will help you remember the word and its meaning.
12. Word sorts
Study the definitions and spelling patterns and try to make relationships among the words. Sort or group words by first letter, prefix, suffix or root, meaning, or by part of speech.