Ways to Use Vocabulary

Anne Hoppe, Lindsay Gaida, Tgamara Sather

Central Middle School, Eden Prairie (Geography 8)

Choose 9 vocabulary words from the unit and have students connect them into sentences. Students arrange the words in the following grid in any order they want. Then write 8 sentences connecting the words in a logical manner. This is definitely a CHALLENGE for many!

2. Balderdash—This is a good introduction to new vocabulary. Students get in small groups (4-5). Each has correct definition for a couple of the words. They each write a fake definition and then the person with the correct definition reads all the definitions, including the correct one. Students guess which one is right. Extra points if they get the correct definition when guessing!

3. Pictionary—Students use vocabulary they have been working with already. In small teams (max 3 per team) they take on another team in a drawing game! One person from the team draws a card and then needs to draw the word, while others guess what they are drawing. Teams compete for most correct guesses.

4. Charades—Students use vocabulary they have been working with already. Split class into two teams. One person from team 1 comes to front of room, chooses vocabulary word and then needs to act it out soundlessly until their team guesses the correct word. If the correct answer is not guessed by team 1 in set amount of time (2 minutes is good!), then team 2 has a chance to guess. Play passes from team 1 to team 2.

5. Bingo—Students have card with all the vocabulary words laid out in grid format. Teacher reads definition while students cover up matching word. First student to get 5 correct matches in a row wins.

Alternatives: 1. Have cards with definition and teacher reads word.

2. Play postage stamp, four corners, and/or blackout Bingo games