An important part of most courses, regardless of the subject, is vocabulary. Whether it is a list of events in history, scientific names and processes in biology, theories and operations in algebra, a list of verbs in a foreign language, or literary elements and words used in a novel in Language Arts, vocabulary acquisition is a critical part of education. However, learning those terms can be daunting when left to your own devices. Here are some tips and resources to help you master those hard-to-learn brain-busters and their definitions.

Free Resources for Vocabulary Study

 

Use an online website such as Quizlet. If you aren’t familiar with this resource, it’s a wonderful free website and/or app that allows teachers to create vocab lists that their students can access to practice words with flashcards or games. Students can also create their own lists and search for lists that others may have created by subject.

Use the words in a variety of ways! The more ways you apply the words and their definitions, the more connections your brain can make to solidify them into your memory. HERE and HERE are two graphic organizers that I recommend students use in order to master the vocab in my classes. These are wonderful because they are easy charts that can be drawn in a jiffy once students are familiar with the format, they take little time, and they can be used across any subject!

Learn Vocabulary in Your Learning Style!

 

Know your learning style and use it so you can most effectively learn the vocabulary. Aren’t sure what your learning style is? There are many free quizzes online you can take; HERE is one short version. These are some examples of ways different learning styles might study vocab words:

• Visual: draw a picture or comic of each word or make a collage that represents the word
• Auditory: create a jingle that includes the vocab and definitions or make up a mnemonic to remember them
• Linguistic: create and deliver a speech using all of the words
• Kinesthetic: come up with a skit that uses the words in context or create a dance or rhythm while you practice the words
• Logical/Mathematical: create a unique chart using the words
• Interpersonal: teach someone else the words and what they mean
• Intrapersonal: use index cards to create flashcards and practice them, or write a journal entry that uses all of the words in context

Having a few tools in your belt can make all the difference in vocabulary instruction and save hours of time. By utilizing some free resources and working within your learning style, vocabulary can be learned smoothly and frustration free!Save

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Jenny Cutler earned her B.A. in Education in 2005 and her Master’s in Multicultural Education in 2012, both from Eastern University. She has taught in both private and public school settings and later transitioned to full-time online teaching in 2014, finding it an ideal fit for both her students and her family. In addition to teaching, Jenny has experience running a tutoring business and continues to serve her local church in a variety of capacities. She is currently pursuing a second Master’s degree in English at Wichita State University.

Jenny is passionate about helping students develop a genuine love of literature. She believes that good books cultivate both critical thinking and compassion, and she especially enjoys guiding reluctant readers toward meaningful connections with texts they never expected to love.

Jenny lives in rural Michigan with her husband, four children, and a multitude of pets. When she’s not teaching she can usually be found experimenting with a new recipe, embroidering, swimming, or—most often—with her nose in a book.