Dictionaries are not the only source for vocabulary enhancement.
Games are an important part of the learning process during early childhood, especially during language lessons. When children have to memorize new words every day, sometimes studying from the textbook is not the most efficient method. Educational games, which will help students enhance their vocabulary, can be a rewarding activity for teachers and students at school or parents and children at home.
Find the Pairs
Create eight flashcards depicting various objects of a theme, such as construction tools, body parts or sea animals. Write down the corresponding word for each object on separate eight flashcards and align them face down, into four rows and four columns. Children will take turns selecting two flashcards at a time, in order to match the object with its word. If they are unsuccessful, they will have to keep the cards face down; otherwise, the two flashcards will be removed from the rows.
Word Search
Children will search through rows and columns of randomly scattered letters to find meaningful words and circle them. Games of word search are ubiquitous in newspapers and magazines, as well as the Internet; choose searches suitable for the children's vocabulary level. Set a timer and ask them to find as many words as they can before the time is up. At the end of the search, show them any remaining hidden words they missed and explain their meaning.
Word Mime
Write down verbs on small cards and place them in a bucket. There should one card for each student. Kids will draw a card from the bucket and must act out the verb. For example, the student may dig with an imaginary spade, run or climb. Set a limit of five guesses and have children raise their hands to give their guesses, to avoid everyone shouting out the answers at the same time.
"Scrabble"
"Scrabble" is a classic word game that can also help improve children's vocabulary. It can be used as the center of a classroom activity, where kids will take turns to create words on the game's board and gain points according to the game's rules. When children seem to have a problem making a word, help them--reveal the word or explain why they can't make a word with the letters they have. The main focus of this activity should be on learning new words and mastering old ones, not winning the game.
Tags: children vocabulary, Children will, eight flashcards, face down, take turns