Use dictionary games to reinforce vocabulary lessons.
Parents, teachers and students have learned the effectiveness of using games to reinforce vocabulary lessons. Students need to study vocabulary on a regular basis. No matter how well or how many new words they learn, students find that frequent review of previously learned vocabulary helps make the learning stick. Playing word games helps relieve the tedium that often accompanies continuous word study.
Dictionary Games
Play dictionary games with your family or classmates as a way of reinforcing vocabulary lessons. Locate a word that you think they won't know. Try to stump them by writing down the real definition and three fake definitions. Have them guess the meaning of the word. Winners can earn points and the opportunity to come up with the next word.
Vocabulary Twister
While this game is more suitable for younger players, limber adults can get in on the act. Pull out your old Twister game mat, or tape colored circles to the floor in a 4-by-6-foot circle grid. Use a spinner that selects one of the colors and either left hand, right hand, left foot or right foot. Players begin by standing on the edge of the mat. Have someone spin for each player. Players must define a vocabulary word before they are allowed to take their turn. A player is out when he falls to the mat. The game ends when the last person is standing. Adapt these rules to incorporate more vocabulary words. For example, a player who defines three words in a row may return to the mat.
Vocabulary Chairs
Have all students stand on their chairs or desks, but only if the chairs are sturdy. Go around the room, calling out definitions of words needing reinforcement. If a student gets the answer right, he may remain standing. Giving an incorrect answer will force him to sit down. The winner is the last person standing.
Vocabulary Grid
Turn popular television game shows into vocabulary games. Much as in the television game show "Jeopardy," write several categories on the board in a grid. Categories headings might include "Positive Prefixes," "Noun Endings," "Five-letter words," "Animal Words" or "Phobias" or something similar. Below the category name are five or six cells with corresponding question cards, face down, each with assigned point values. Players select a category and point value, turn over the question card and answer the question. If the player answers correctly, he receives the points and keeps the question card. If he answers incorrectly, the next player gets to answer. Base questions on vocabulary definitions or associated content. The game continues until all questions are answered. The player (or team) with the most points wins.
Tags: vocabulary lessons, dictionary games, games reinforce vocabulary, gets answer, last person