When our Y7 students first come into school, they feel really lost and have got lots of questions regarding everything: where is this classroom, who is teacher XZ, how do I access Google Classroom, etc, etc, etc.
One of the things that they don’t know about when they start studying languages is how to learn new words.
Therefore, I will share with you some ideas to help them with their vocabulary learning:
- Look, say, cover, write, check
They choose a word they find hard to spell, they look at it, they say it, they cover it, write it down and they finally check it.
- Sing it!
They can make up a song including the words they need to learn, then sing it out loud.
- Create your own quiz!
They can create their own quiz adding all the words they need to memorise.
- Get someone to test you!
They can get their parents or siblings to assess them! They could also practise with a friend!
- Write each word 10/15 times!
Although it sounds a bit boring, it is a great way of memorising new words! I used to do this when I was learning English as a kid.
- Make flashcards
These can be colour-coded by the type of word: nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
- Organise a vocab quiz night for your family/friends
This could be really fun and it involves everyone!
- Create mnemonics
This could be very helpful for some students and it is fun & creative!
- Play bingo with your siblings/friends
This is very easy to do and very powerful! They just need to choose 9 words and write them down and tick them as the words have been said. They could play to the line or full house.
- Make rhymes or even write a poem!
This could be so enjoyable and again very creative! It would definitely develop their literacy skills too!
- Put the words in context: make a few sentences
Some students really need to see how the words work in a sentence. I am like this! When I see the word in context, I can remember it much quicker!
- Create your own mini-dictionary!
They could make their own mini dictionary with a list of words in Spanish and English.
- Use post it notes!
Some students put these notes around the house and every time they pass by that particular place, they look at the words!