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!
Jenny Cutler graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Education, and in 2012 with a Master’s Degree in Multicultural Education, both from Eastern University. Jenny taught in both private and public schools until she had her first child and decided to stay home with him. She ran a tutoring business during her first few years as a stay at home parent but found teaching online to be an ideal fit for her, and she made the switch in 2014.
