One of the first things that you learn in a second language is vocabulary. Rosetta Stone, a popular language learning software, starts off by teaching and asking you to identify basic words like man, woman, boy, and girl. I think that most other language learning software or programs do the same. While vocabulary is most emphasized during the beginning stages of language learning, it is important all throughout the journey!
Without the proper vocabulary, simple and effective statements like, “I need the keys,” can turn into confusing and ineffective statements like, “I need.” So, the question arises of how to effectively teach vocabulary to your non-native speakers.
How do you find the proper methods to help your students learn and internalize important vocabulary words to the best of your ability? Simple, object-based nouns are pretty easy to explain to non-native speakers; however, more obscure words like “usually,” “possibility,” and “partial” can be much more difficult.
I’ve compiled a list of 10 different ways to explain vocabulary terms when you may just be getting blank stares.
You’re probably already using some of these methods, but take note of the ones that you don’t typically turn to. Learning in different ways is an extremely helpful tool for getting a well-rounded understanding of new information.
It can be fun and challenging to find ways to teach a single vocabulary term in every one of the explanation tools below. While you probably won’t use every method in the same class, it’s good practice for thinking of creative and new ways to teach your students! How can you explain “contentment” with an illustration? Or try coming up with a few ideas or terms associated with “chocolate.”
Keep in mind that while these are all good tools to use when first introducing new words, they’re also good for recycling vocabulary and re-introducing terms in a new way. For instance, if your students are already familiar with the word “knight” because you’ve already showed them a picture and given the definition, try eliciting the definition from them in their own words, telling a story about a knight, or playing an association game to practice.
Eliciting vocabulary gives your students more autonomy over their learning, helps them to access information that they may not have known that they were familiar with, and gives you a better idea about what your students do/do not know. Ask your students a few questions to figure out what they know about the vocabulary word, what they associate with it, and other details that will give you and them a more well-rounded understanding of their own knowledge.
Many times, the first place that a student will turn for a definition is the dictionary, and for good reason. Knowing what a word means clearly and concisely can be an incredible tool for understanding a vocabulary word. Although a dictionary doesn’t provide a complete view of the word in question, don’t negate the benefits of clear definitions. Either provide your students with a concise definition in your own words or from a dictionary, or, if they’re more advanced, have them come up with their own.
While a concise definition has a time a place, so does a more lengthy and detailed description of whatever vocabulary word you’re working on. Instead of going to the dictionary, provide your students with an extended definition of your word’s appearance, qualities, meanings, connotations, etc. A word is more than just it’s definition. It can mean a variety of things to a variety of people, and acknowledging this gives your students a great and more complete understanding of their vocabulary.
Using illustrations is a wonderful way to introduce and internalize vocabulary words. Some learners are more drawn to visual representations than others, but all learners can benefit from a picture, drawing, timeline, diagram, or actually seeing the object that you’re talking about (realia). Whenever you can, bring in an example of your vocabulary term. Students will be able to see the object (or color, characteristic, etc), and it will, more than likely, prompt them to ask questions.
Resources can be great tools for explaining vocabulary terms, but, since you know your students best, your own explanations, drawings, and demonstrations can more specifically target what your students are struggling with. Almost any term can be demonstrated, though actions, moods, and expressions are more easily acted out in the classroom. This is where your creativity will have to come in! If you’re looking for a game to play or a fun way for your students to get involved, try playing the game Charades.
One of the easiest ways to internalize a vocabulary word is through the context. Context is an amazing tool for understanding the definition, connotation, and social use of your vocabulary terms. Stories, scenarios, and sentences can add a lot to your vocabulary instruction. Try telling a story from your own life that is centered around the term you’re focus on, or having your students act out a scenario that involves your word. If you don’t have the time to do so, simply ask your students to write, or give your students examples of, sentences that contain your word.
It’s awfully hard to learn anything, much less words, without using other words. To refresh your memory, a synonym is a word that means exactly (or nearly the same) as another word. I think that I’m safe to say that synonyms are one of, if not the, first tool teachers turn to when explaining a term. If your student asks you what “joy” means, you will probably start by comparing it with “happiness.” When working with a vocabulary term, come up with a list of potential synonyms to discuss with your students. To make it more interesting, throw in a few random words and a few words that are just slightly off into the mix.
While it’s important to know what a word means, it’s also important to know what a word doesn't mean. An antonym is simply the opposite of a word. Teaching your students about opposites can help them to compare words quickly and mentally categorize new terms according to what they already know. Try discussing and playing games with both synonyms and antonyms at the same time to maximize your time and more effectively compare/contrast vocab terms.
Translation is a controversial topic in the language learning community. Some teachers find translation helpful and beneficial to their classroom and students, while others find their students relying too much on their native language. There is definitely a time and place for translation in the classroom, but if you’re really trying to help your students understand and internalize a new word, translation is one of the best tools. However, you should be careful of your students depending on this method and of the intricacies of translation. Many words don’t translate directly from one language to another.
Associated ideas is a method of vocabulary instruction that is used a little more vaguely than synonyms are. A synonym is a word that has the exact or nearly exact meaning as your focus word. However, an associated idea can be similar in category, use, grammar, spelling, meaning, etc. Asking your students to think of some associated ideas is a great way to strengthen the connections that your learners make between words. Create a semantic map as a class and include things like idioms, popular stories, or even songs that contain or are related to your vocab word.
Trying something outside of your routine can give you and your students an opportunity to learn in a new way, learn a new aspect of something, and find more activities and strategies that work for your class! Vocabulary doesn’t have to be learned strictly through flash cards. There are plenty of other strategies and methods that can help your learners to internalize their vocabulary words in a more interactive, more well-rounded way.
It’s easy to simply focus on the spelling and dictionary definition of a term, but words are extremely complex and can have an entirely different meaning than the one the dictionary lists. Just think of the many different meanings that “really?” can have! It could communicate disbelief, surprise, sarcasm, and much more. And it’s not as difficult as it sounds to acknowledge the many aspects of a word, just try one of the strategies above!
I Want to Hear From You!
Which of these strategies do you already use and how do you use it?
Pick one new strategy to use in your class and share it in the comments below!