• Grades 6-12
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36 Meaningful Vocabulary Activities for Every Grade

These activities are the definition of fun!

vocabulary com assignment

Learning new words is like adding to your writing toolbox. The more tools available, the more interesting and engaging your writing becomes. Check out these fun and engaging vocabulary activities for kids in grades K-12, and supply your students with the tools they need to build their wordsmith skills.

A clipboard with a vocabulary short story written on it

1. Write vocabulary stories

Using vocabulary words in writing shows mastery. Challenge your students to use all of their vocabulary words in an original short story. Allow students to pair up and share their stories with a partner.

Learn more: Vocab Short Story 

2. Put your students in the hot seat

Divide your class into two teams. Choose one student from one team to go to the front of the room and sit in a chair facing the class with their back to the board. This person is “on the spot.” Place a word on the board so everyone can see it except the person in the chair. One at a time, team members give the person a clue about the mystery word. If the word is guessed before two minutes are up, the team gets a point and play turns to the other team.

Learn more: On the Spot at Upper Elementary Snapshots

A vocabulary activity set featuring vocabulary words and definitions as an example of vocabulary activities

3. Match up words and definitions

Download these vocabulary words and matching definitions. Distribute one card to each student (either a word or a definition). Allow students to circulate in the room and find their “match.” Switch cards and repeat.

Learn more: Dictionary Sort

A word map made up around the word cowboys

4. Sketch up word maps

Creating word maps from vocabulary words encourages students to find the relationships between the vocabulary word and other words. Have them include words, pictures, examples, real-world connections, definitions, descriptive words, etc.

Learn more: Word Map

A small clipboard with a purple post-it note attached on top of a floral backdrop

5. Create Post-it stations

Post vocabulary words around the room, then have students circulate and write an original sentence using that word on a sticky note. Follow along and make sure students use the words correctly.

Learn more: Post-it Stations

A hand pulling a car with an illustration of popcorn and the word pop! out of a red and white striped bag as an example of vocabulary activities

6. Play a game of Pop!

Kids draw cards out of the bag and attempt to correctly spell them. But be careful, you don’t want to draw the Pop! card.

Learn more: Pop!

7. Take a gallery walk

Hang six to eight large sheets of chart paper in various places around the room. On each sheet, write one vocabulary word. Have students work in small groups, rotating between stations. At each station, ask students to come up with a different, original way to use each word. Continue the activity until all students have visited every station.

Learn more: Gallery Walk at TeachWriting.org

A Pictionary vocabulary worksheet

8. Play a round of Pictionary

This fun activity requires students to draw a picture for each word to create their own visual dictionary. When students create their own visual representations, they develop an association with the word that they will be able to tap into when needed.

Learn more: Pictionary

Word map for the word 'respect' as an example of vocabulary activities

9. Make a word map

Word maps help deepen understanding of a vocab word by relating it to other words and concepts students already know.

Frayer Model for the word Noun

10. Use the Frayer model

Frayer models are a popular way to learn new words and concepts. Kids define the word in their own terms, then list facts and characteristics, examples, and non-examples.

Learn more: Frayer Model

An example of student note-taking method Sketchnotes

11. Draw vocabulary Sketchnotes

Kids and teachers love Sketchnotes ! Rather than writing out definitions, have students draw a sketch that sums up each word instead. It’s a lot more fun and gives kids an image for visual association to help them remember the meanings.

Learn more: Sketchnotes

Printable vocabulary worksheet for Bumper Words game as an example of vocabulary activities

12. Bump words along

Group vocab words together with a few other words with similar meanings and one that’s an antonym. Students identify the antonym and “bump” it to the next box, filling in the next group of words. They continue until the worksheet is full.

Learn more: Bumper Words

vocabulary com assignment

13. Post a graffiti wall

Think of a vocabulary graffiti wall like a collaborative word wall. In the classroom, post the words on the wall and have kids add sticky notes to illustrate the term (they can use words or pictures). Online, try a tool like Padlet or Google Slides.

Learn more: Graffiti Wall

Character Match printable worksheet showing a drawing of a person with matching vocabulary words

14. Match words to describe character

This is a terrific way to practice vocab words pulled from books you’re reading. Ask students to use various words to describe the different characters in the book and their feelings, thoughts, and actions.

Learn more: Vocabulary Activities

Printable A to Z vocabulary word game worksheet as an example of vocabulary activities

15. Fill in words from A to Z

This vocabulary game is fun and challenging, and it can be played by kids of any age. Choose a word, then challenge kids to come up with related words for as many letters as possible. These could be synonyms, antonyms, examples, and more. Trickier letters are worth more points!

Learn more: A to Z

Screenshot of a teacher using communication program Flip

16. Try Flip for vocabulary activities

Are you on the Flip (formerly Flipgrid) bandwagon yet? It’s perfect for vocabulary activities! Have kids record a quick video for each word, using their creativity to make it fun and meaningful.

Learn more: Pop-Up Pods

A Vocabulary Jeopardy game board

17. Battle it out in Vocabulary Jeopardy

Good vocabulary activities encourage more than just memorization of definitions. That’s why we like this Jeopardy game idea. It explores synonyms and antonyms and how words are used in real sentences.

Learn more: Not So Wimpy Teacher

Example of a vocabulary learning method called RAFT as an example of vocabulary activities

18. Use RAFTs to write vocabulary stories

Writing a story using vocab words is a perennial favorite, but the RAFT method gives it a new twist. Students are assigned a Role (the point of view from which they’ll tell the story), an Audience, a Format, and a Topic. For instance, they might be an astronaut (Role) writing a postcard (Format) to their friends back home (Audience) about what they’ve seen on Mars (Topic). RAFTs are especially great for kids who claim they don’t know what to write about.

Learn more: RAFTs

vocabulary com assignment

19. Discover the power of words

Vocabulary words take on greater meaning when students incorporate them into their daily lives. Challenge kids to use their vocab words in conversation and writing outside the language arts classroom. Use the free printable worksheet here to help them keep track of how often they use them.

Learn more: Downloadable Vocabulary Activities

Colorful vocabulary graphic organizer

20. Create graphic organizers

Colorful organizers like these are terrific vocabulary activities. Want to go digital? Have kids make a slideshow, one slide per word. They can include the same information, but instead of drawing a picture, have them find one online that illustrates the concept.

Learn more: Graphic Organizers at Upper Elementary Snapshots

A vocabulary worksheet for children to learn a word a week as an example of vocabulary activities

21. Focus on a Word of the Week

Give really important terms the attention they deserve. Choose a new vocab word each week, then explore it in depth day by day.

Learn more: Word of the Week

W worksheet for vocabulary activity Million Dollar Words

22. Join the Million Dollar Word Club

Post a list of target vocab words. If a student uses one of the words in class (outside of vocabulary activities), they become a member of the Million Dollar Word Club! You can have them sign their name on a wall in the classroom or award a badge online. You could even develop this into a reward system for homework passes or extra credit.

Learn more: Million Dollar Words

A vocabulary activity for students using paint sample cards

23. Explore shades of meaning

This is a cool idea for exploring synonyms and the slight differences that make words unique. Ask for paint sample strips at your local hardware store, or buy a clip art set .

Learn more: Shades of Meaning

A colorful example of a vocabulary activity  as an example of vocabulary activities

24. Personify a word with social media

This is one of those vocabulary activities kids will want to do over and over again! Assign each student a word and have them create a faux Facebook, Instagram, or other social media page for it. They can draw them freehand or complete a template like these from Teachers Pay Teachers . Post the images to a shared Google slideshow so other students can use them for review.

Learn more: Social Media Vocabulary

An index card decorated with vocabulary activities

25. Create vocabulary cards

Have students draw a diagonal line across an index card. On the top half, have them write the vocabulary word and definition. On the bottom half, have them draw a picture of the word and use it in a sentence. Cards can be joined together in a strip for easy review.

Learn more: Index Card Vocabulary

A Vocabulary game version of the game Taboo

26. Play vocabulary word Taboo

In this game, the goal is for one student to get their partner to guess the word by describing or giving examples of it. The trick? There’s a list of additional words they’re not allowed to use! Let other students see the card in advance to help keep the players honest. (Flash it on a whiteboard and have the guesser face away.)

Learn more: Don’t Say It! Vocabulary Game

A bright pink vocabulary worksheet entitled Roll a Word as an example of vocabulary activities

27. Roll a die for vocabulary activities

Choose a vocab word, then have a student roll a die ( these virtual dice are handy ) to see which activity they get to complete.

Learn more: Roll a Word

A vocabulary worksheet used by students to form an acrostic from a vocab word

28. Write an acrostic

Write an acrostic poem for each vocab term, using the letters to determine the first word in each line. This can get really challenging when words are longer!

Learn more: Acrostic Poem

A vocabulary board game called word on the street

29. Play vocabulary board games

Everyone knows that playing games is the best way to learn. Try some of these fabulous board games with your students and watch their vocabularies grow.

Learn more: 11 Vocab Games To Make the Learning Stick

Cover image of Peter Reynolds' book The Word Collector as an example of vocabulary activities

30. Become a Word Collector

This is one of those picture books that grown-up kids will enjoy as much as little ones. Use it to remind your kids that they don’t need a vocabulary list to learn new words—new words are all around them. Encourage them to keep a word list or journal of their own to record new words they want to explore and use more often.

Buy it: The Word Collector

Two young students wearing head bands giggle at each other

31. Play Vocabulary Headbanz

Make or buy headbands with a notch on the front designed to hold a card. Create cards with vocabulary words on them. To play, each student gets a card but can’t see it. Other students will describe the word, trying to get the one wearing the headband to guess the correct word.

Learn more: Vocab Headbanz

A vocabulary lesson version of the game Go Fish

32. Go Fish!

A fun and lively way to practice vocabulary words. Create a deck of vocabulary words with two of each word. Explain the rules of Go Fish to students and let them loose!

Learn more: Go Fish Vocab Game

Wooden letter beads threaded onto a pipe cleaner and vocabulary cards with pictures as an example of vocabulary activities

33. String three-letter words

Using wooden letter beads and pipe cleaners, students will form three-letter words that match vocabulary cards.

Learn more: Three-Letter Busy Bag

An adult and two kids play a round of vocabulary charades

34. Play vocabulary charades

Everybody loves an exciting round of charades. Break your students into groups, provide them with a stack vocabulary cards, and watch them learn!

Learn more: Word Charades

A teacher and student lay side by side on a mat as they make words with plastic letters

35. Make words

Use plastic letters, magnet letters, or letter blocks to make words. Play it mentally with older kids, or with paper and pencil. Simply give your children some letters and challenge them to make words from those letters.

Learn more: Make a Word

A dictionary surrounded by vocabulary task cards as an example of vocabulary activities

36. Do a dictionary dig

Send your students on a scavenger hunt … in the dictionary! Exposing kids to the thousands of words in our language is both inspiring and fun. Download the free task cards below.

Learn more: Dictionary Dig

Reading poetry also helps students expand their vocabulary. Check out these must-share poems for elementary school and middle and high school .

Plus, get all the latest teaching tips and ideas when you sign up for our free newsletters .

Help kids make a deeper connection to new words with these vocabulary activities. They work for any word list, elementary to high school.

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CommonLit

CommonLit 360 CommonLit 360 Utilizes Best Practices to Develop Students' Vocabulary Skills

Cara Zatoris

Cara Zatoris

Learn about the vocabulary assignments and quizzes that come with each CommonLit 360 unit.

The link between literacy and vocabulary development is well-documented. Research shows that explicit instruction of high-yield words, multiple exposures to those words, and opportunities to use them in speaking and writing will all increase a student’s vocabulary and — consequently — a student’s ability to comprehend complex texts.

Yet when it comes to putting that research to practice, most curricula fall short. Language arts teachers are often left with two options: spend inordinate amounts of time choosing text-based vocabulary, designing word walls, and creating activities, or use a vocabulary program that teaches words in isolation from grade-level texts.

CommonLit 360 , our high-quality English Language Arts curriculum for grades 6-12, which received an all-green rating on EdReports for grades 6-8, fills the need for better vocabulary instruction. In this blog post, we’ll explore CommonLit 360’s unique approach to vocabulary instruction and describe how evidence-based vocabulary practices are put into action in our ready-made materials.

Vocabulary Selection Aligned to Content-Rich Units and Grade-Level Texts

Each CommonLit 360 unit includes a series of activities to help students master up to 20 new vocabulary words. Let’s use Grade 6, Unit 1 as our example.

The header for CommonLit 360 6th Grade Unit 1, Characters Who Change and Grow.

In this particular unit, students explore the ways in which people are changed by their relationships, experiences, and choices. Students read about characters facing relatable teenage challenges. The characters have arguments with peers, experience tension among their family members, and deal with unfair treatment at school. Through these trials, the characters gain maturity and awareness.

This 360 unit includes one set of seven “high-impact” vocabulary words. By “high-impact,” we mean that they are grade-level Tier 2 words that will have a high-utility in the unit and beyond. Learning the words will help students comprehend the unit’s core texts and successfully engage in discussions about the unit’s themes of growing and changing. The words in the 6th grade Unit 1 list are:

Multiple Exposures to Words Through Vocabulary Learning Activities

Each vocabulary set across the 360 curriculum includes five activities that allow students to internalize and practice using the new words. These activities become increasingly complex. The five activities follow the same pattern in every unit, providing a routine to make facilitation easy.

Activity 1: In-Context Predictions

In the first activity, students begin by seeing how the vocabulary word is used in context. Students should first read the sentence in which the vocabulary word is used. Then, they should review the picture and caption in which the word is utilized again. From there, students should make a prediction about the meaning of the vocabulary word.

An example vocabulary activity from CommonLit 360, with a photo, sample sentence, and space to write a prediction for the word "burden."

Since this activity is crucial for student success with the vocabulary, CommonLit has created a slide deck to support its facilitation. It introduces the activity, shows how students can use context clues to make strong predictions, and reveals correct student-friendly definitions to students.

A teacher model slide for the in-context predictions vocabulary activity.

Activity 2: Fill-in-the-Blank Sentences

Activities 2 through 5 can be flexibly assigned as a warm-up, homework, or in-class practice.

Activity 2 takes just a few minutes to complete and it helps students begin internalizing the definitions of the vocabulary words.

An example of the fill-in-the-blank sentences vocabulary activity.

Activity 3: Fill-in-the-Blank Scenarios

Taking about 10–15 minutes, this activity requires students to identify which word fits the scenario and explain why that vocabulary word is the best fit. Here is an example:

An example of the fill-in-the-blank scenarios vocabulary activity.

Teachers may want to circulate while students are working or grade the activity themselves to ensure students’ reasoning demonstrates an accurate understanding of the word.

Activity 4: Matching

The matching activity provides an opportunity for students to match the vocabulary words to a synonym. These synonyms are not taken from the definitions provided in Activity 1. Thus, students are required to process the meaning of the vocabulary word and cannot just rely on rote memorization.

An example of the matching vocabulary activity.

Activity 5: Application

In Activity 5, which should take about 15 minutes, students are asked to answer each question in 1–2 complete sentences, using the underlined vocabulary words in their answers. Here is an example:

An example of the application vocabulary activity.

These questions are designed to be applicable to a young person’s life so that students can authentically apply the vocabulary in the context of their answer.

Digital Vocabulary Assessment and Data

Each CommonLit 360 unit also includes a digital vocabulary quiz that measures students’ ability to apply their vocabulary knowledge to a new context. In the sample items you see below, you’ll notice these questions require students to have a deep understanding of the words.

In Part 1 of the Vocabulary Quiz, students read a sentence. Then, they choose the vocabulary word that best describes that scenario.

A sample vocabulary quiz with scenario questions.

In Part 2 of the quiz, students complete a fill-in-the-blank exercise. This ensures that students can correctly use the vocabulary word in context.

A sample vocabulary quiz with fill-in-the-blank questions.

These two-part quizzes can be downloaded and printed for students or can be assigned digitally. As always, digitally assigned content in CommonLit provides the teacher with incredible, at-a-glance data to inform next steps of instruction.

Student data for the vocabulary quiz.

If you are interested in learning more about how vocabulary and other integral language arts skills are addressed within the brand new CommonLit 360 units, here are some recommended next steps:

  • Browse the 360 Curriculum here .
  • Sign up for a CommonLit 360 webinar for an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.
  • Learn about the affordable wraparound services for schools and districts looking to adopt CommonLit 360.

Chat with CommonLit

CommonLit’s team will reach out with more information on our school and district partnerships.

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Reading and Writing Haven

5 Brain-Based Vocabulary Activities for the Secondary Classroom

Trying to find some new practice activities for your existing vocabulary units? These brain-based vocabulary approaches are unique — perhaps just what you need. 

Do your students smile at you when you begin a vocabulary lesson? Do they act interested or ask questions? Are they willing to try using the words in their own speaking and writing? Over the years, I’ve noticed that when I’m “on” with my vocabulary instruction, my students are, too. They’re into it, learning, and motivated. In contrast, when I rush through vocabulary instruction because of time constraints, lack of preparation, or simply lack of enthusiasm, my students can read me like an open book.

Previously, I wrote about increasing vocabulary retention in the secondary classroom. Retention is ultimately the goal of vocabulary instruction, but in order to get there, teachers need to differentiate their instruction and practice activities to reach all types of learners, which includes adding variety through learning styles and critical thinking levels. While I provided a few ideas regarding how students can interact with vocabulary words in the last post, I’d like to get more specific and explore several unique and creative avenues that teachers can incorporate into their curriculums. I teach ELA, but these brain-based vocabulary ideas can apply to word lists from any content area.

5 high-interest brain-based vocabulary activities for middle and high school classrooms #VocabularyActivities #MiddleSchoolELA #HighSchoolELA

BRAIN-BASED VOCABULARY LEARNING

3 truths and a lie.

Games are fun. If your classroom culture calls for games, engagement, and student-directed learning, try out 3 truths and a lie. The best part about this game (other than the fact that it’s enjoyable) is that students create it. Don’t get me wrong…I LOVE making games to use my classroom . Yet, vocabulary is a perfect vehicle for students to be in charge of their learning, to create something meaningful.

Put students in charge.

I simply ask them to select a word from their list and then to write down four statements about that word. I encourage them to think about the word’s part of speech, the definition, related and unrelated words, associations they may have, and the word’s personality. One of the statements they write should be a lie.

Here’s an example:

  • Ubiquitous is kind of like the plague. Even if you don’t like it, you can’t get rid of it.
  • Ubiquitous is an adverb.
  • Ubiquitous is cousins with the words “pervasive” and “universal.”
  • If cockroaches were ubiquitous, I’d move to Mars.

Your students can get as creative (or as simplistic) as they want with their sentences. After creating them, collect the statements, and put students in small groups. Have them discuss the words and statements to try to identify the lie ( in the example above, the lie is #2 ). If you’re concerned about the accuracy of your students’ sentences and want to avoid unnecessary confusion, read through them first and have students work in groups to discuss them the next day.

Why this works: 

1. Students are doing the thinking.

2. It can be straightforward (recall) or higher-order thinking (analytical), so it’s differentiated by nature.

3. It’s engaging.

4. Students will remember many of the lies and the truths, so it will help them to retain the word meanings longer.

Bumper Words

Bumper words is a categorizing activity that helps students to learn the relationships between words on their list. If you plan to use a bumper words activity, keep that in mind when selecting your word list so that it’s easier to create the assignment. Here’s how it works. 

Teacher-Directed

You (the teacher) group the words into categories. You can make this into a worksheet or a graphic organizer, or you can just write them on the board to use as a class activity. Another option is to create a manipulative for small groups or station use. When you put the words into groups (of 3 to 5 is best), all of the words should relate  except for one . The students’ job is to figure out which word is  not related, and they  bump it to the next word group. It’s a chain effect. Here’s an example:

vocabulary com assignment

As you can see, in the first group of words, abase, demean, and humiliate can all be related, but extol does not fit. So, it gets bumped to group two, where students look for another ill-fitting word that is then bumped to group 3, and so on. When creating this activity, you can use words that are  not on your vocabulary list to complement the ones that are.

Student-Directed

Again, if you want to ask your students to think more critically about their words, you can ask  them to create a bumper words chain using all or some of the words on their list. This works well as a group assignment. Students could create their bumper words combinations on a piece of easel paper or large poster board, and then groups can rotate around the room to try to solve each other’s puzzles. If you choose to have students create their own examples, it would be beneficial to show them how to make one by modeling it together or analyzing an existing example first.

1. Students are thinking about the words and how they relate to other  words, thereby making associations – great for brain-based vocabulary learning!

2. Once again, this activity can be differentiated by ability level.

3. It engages students in meaningful interaction with their words.

4. It’s unique…your students probably haven’t heard of this one before. Ride the novelty wave.  

Personify a Word Using Social Media

Because social media is such a pervasive aspect of twenty-first century learning, I’m always looking for healthy ways to incorporate it in my classroom. One of the things I love about teaching vocabulary is that it can be creative. Words can be given personalities based on their meaning. I often ask students to personify a word in order to get them to think about it differently.

Word Personalities

Here are four of my favorite assignments that include word personalities using social media:

  • Facebook : Have students create a Facebook poster based on one of the words on their list.
  • Twitter : Ask students to create a Twitter profile and feed for a word.
  • Instagram : Students can create a scrapbook or Instagram posts for their word.
  • Pinterest :   Give students the task of creating a Pinterest profile for a word, including a list of boards and pins that would relate to that word.

When I give students assignments like these, I find it’s beneficial to allow them to choose a word  they want to learn  after discussing what they will do with it. I always encourage students to select a  new word…one they either have never heard of, or one they have heard of but cannot explain. By discussing the task before selecting the word, students will be able to choose a word they  want to use to complete the assignment, and ownership is key when it comes to creativity.

Some struggling readers and writers might be overwhelmed if we ask them to select any word they want, so it’s a great differentiation / scaffolding option to have a list of suggestions prepared.

vocabulary com assignment

Why this works:

1. In order to do any of these assignments WELL, students must think  deeply and  meaningfully about the word.

2. Students will take it upon themselves to analyze the social media outlet more closely than they have in the past. What text structures does it have? What is the common language and culture of the site? These questions must be studied and answered before creating a product.

3. It hooks students by allowing them to utilize their creativity and social natures to learn about vocabulary.

4. It is easy to incorporate technology. While students can create a poster like the one above, they could also use digital platforms to complete the assignment.  

Pictures, Short Films, & Music

A fun way to incorporate writing into your brain-based vocabulary instruction is through the use of pictures, short films, and music. They can all be used similarly for this assignment. Although numerous options exist, these three ideas are a good place to start:

Student Research

1. Simply ask students to do some research and find a certain number of pictures, short films, or songs that relate to words on their vocabulary list. You could have them focus specifically on one word and find a picture, a short film, and a song that relates to it, or you could ask them to choose ten words off the list and find one connection for each word. Either way, students are building onto existing knowledge about a word and using critical thinking skills to make meaningful connections. I like to have my students write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) explaining their connections to the word.

Bell Ringers

Another way to use these elements is to incorporate them as bell ringers. Each day, begin the class by projecting an image, showing a short film, or playing a song for students. After watching or listening, ask students to make connections between the artwork and words on their vocabulary list. To elicit more participation, I have my students write their thoughts first, then talk with a partner, and finally share with the class.

Give your students a sheet of small images (I like to using small pictures they can color), and tell them to match each picture to a word on their vocabulary list. They can then explain in a few short sentences why each picture and word relate. Simple but effective. Here is a resource you can use for any list.

1. Music, movies, and pictures are embedded in our culture. Students appreciate learning opportunities that incorporate media relevant to their lives.

2. This assignment is a simple way to differentiate by learning styles. It appeals to students who are musical and visual by nature.

3. Once again, forming connections to vocabulary words will help students remember them longer.

4. It can be scaffolded for students on various scales of the literacy ladder.  

I use mind maps as choice assignments throughout the year with various aspects of my curriculum. Mind maps are excellent brain-based vocabulary . activities that help students retain the definition of a word instead of memorizing it for a quiz and forgetting it.

When I assign mind maps in relation to vocabulary words, I generally have students select one word from our list instead of several because the connections will be more meaningful for them.

A good tip is to first ask students to circle any words on their vocabulary list that they cannot define on the spot — in that moment. Afterward, have them choose one word they want to study more intentionally, and then introduce the mind map assignment. If you give them the specifics of the assignment  first, they might be more likely to select an “easy” word from the list.

I like to project example mind maps (you can easily find some by googling the term “vocabulary mind maps”). Together, we analyze the structure, design, and content of the example maps to determine students’ options. We also talk about my expectations (what’s acceptable and what’s not). In this way, we essentially develop a student-generated rubric on the spot. Bonus.

What can students incorporate in their mind maps? I encourage mine to use the basics (relate it to synonyms, antonyms, and examples), but I also ask them to stretch their imaginations to incorporate visual components, categories related to the word, colors that symbolize the word, and other symbolic elements.

1. Research shows that mind maps are brain-based learning activities.

2. Thinking symbolically about a word helps students to deepen their understanding of it.

3. Mind maps require students to engage with a word meaningfully from different angles for an extended period of time.

4. It combines right-brain creative style learning with left-brain logic style learning, resulting in a powerful and memorable experience.  

Inspired and wanting more vocabulary ideas? Read this sister post in which I discuss  five more of my favorite, brain-based vocabulary practice activities for the secondary classroom .

Grab a Free Template!

You might find this free, editable vocabulary template to be helpful in getting started.

Before using any of these brain-based vocabulary strategies in your classroom, you will need to establish a solid list of words. For some inspiration regarding how to strategically and effectively select word lists, click on over to Lauralee at Language Arts Classroom . She has some insights to share with you!

RELATED RESOURCE:

This vocabulary bundle contains numerous resources to engage students in meaningful brain-based vocabulary practice with any word list.

Differentiated Vocabulary Activities

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WORD OF THE DAY

Have you ever tried to draw a map of your neighborhood? If you’re drawing your map to scale, taking into account every little hill and valley, you can appreciate the challenge of cartography, the science of making maps.

You may think cartography has gone the way of the dodo bird, now that we’ve got Google maps and GPS devices. You don’t have to draw maps by hand anymore, but you still need cartography skills to turn digital representations into something people can use with ease. While the word cartography dates only from the mid-19th century, maps were around for a long, long time before that. Cartography comes from the French carte, “map,” and -graphie, “writing.”

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Vocabulary lists containing cartography

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Practice this vocabulary list and explore words that contain the Greek roots graph ("write/writing") and gram ("written thing").

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Review these human geography terms and learn all about the human forces that shape and are shaped by the natural world.You'll explore immigration and emigration, colonialism, development and urbanization, demography, globalization, and much more. Expand the boundaries of your vocabulary with this list!

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In this memoir-in-verse, author Laurie Halse Anderson reflects on the real events behind her acclaimed novel Speak and the aftermath of the book's publication.

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Previous Words of the Day

September 15, september 16, september 17, september 18, september 19, sign up now (it’s free), whether you’re a teacher or a learner, vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement., finally, a dictionary with a soul.

Our definitions were written by humans, for humans. Each word has a friendly explanation that makes it easy to remember.

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    vocabulary com assignment

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COMMENTS

  1. Assignment

    Whether you're an international spy with a new mission or a high school student with math homework — when you get an assignment, you'd better do it! An assignment is a task that someone in authority has asked you to do.

  2. Vocabulary.com

    Whether you're a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement. Get started. Comprehensive K-12. personalized learning. Immersive learning. for 25 languages. Trusted tutors for. 300 subjects. 35,000 worksheets, games,

  3. Introduction to Classes : Help

    Find a vocabulary list you'd like to assign to your class and click the Assignments tab. Select the activity you wish to assign and then the class (or classes) you want to assign it to. Click the Assign button and you're done. The next time your students log into Vocabulary.com, they'll be notified of the assignment.

  4. VocabTrainer

    Build a better vocabulary! Try VocabTrainer, a fun, daily exercise with 17000 learnable words and 253000 questions for a better way to learn.

  5. Assignments Feature

    Assignments Feature. You can directly assign individual resources by selecting the Assign button. Choose from four assignment options: Sequenced, Intervention, Student Choice, or Review. Sequenced: Select Vocabulary, Spelling, or Phonics to receive a sequenced assignment of five category-specific games, beginning with instruction and concluding ...

  6. A Fun Vocabulary Activity for Middle or High School

    Using brain-based vocabulary approaches will help to ensure the practice time you provide is worthwhile. When I complete a vocabulary unit, my students know we will continue coming back to those words throughout the year. This repetition reinforces the likelihood that students will retain the new words. 4. Engagement.

  7. 36 Meaningful Vocabulary Activities for Every Grade

    Southern Fried Teachin'. 4. Sketch up word maps. Creating word maps from vocabulary words encourages students to find the relationships between the vocabulary word and other words. Have them include words, pictures, examples, real-world connections, definitions, descriptive words, etc. Learn more: Word Map.

  8. Vocabulary Assignments & Quizzes to Develop Student Skills

    Learn about the vocabulary assignments and quizzes that come with each CommonLit 360 unit. The link between literacy and vocabulary development is well-documented. Research shows that explicit instruction of high-yield words, multiple exposures to those words, and opportunities to use them in speaking and writing will all increase a student's ...

  9. Assigning a List to Your Classes (Video) : Help

    Go to the Vocabulary List homepage to find a list, use our search, or use one of your own lists. ... Once you create an assignment, you can view the reports on that assignment by visiting the reporting page for each class and clicking on the Assignments tab. As a shortcut, you may click on the bar-chart button (View Student Progress) next to ...

  10. 5 Brain-Based Vocabulary Activities for the Secondary Classroom

    2. This assignment is a simple way to differentiate by learning styles. It appeals to students who are musical and visual by nature. 3. Once again, forming connections to vocabulary words will help students remember them longer. 4. It can be scaffolded for students on various scales of the literacy ladder. Mind Maps

  11. Student Portal

    Premade Lessons. If students are assigned a Raz-Plus/Reading A-Z or Science A-Z Vocabulary, Spelling, or Phonics Premade Lesson, they can access the Interactivities and quizzes in the Assignment area of their Vocabulary planet in the Kids A-Z student portal. A subscription to Raz-Plus/Reading A-Z or Science A-Z is required to access certain ...

  12. Help

    Viewing your Assignments and Activities: Students (Video) Adding Students to a Class (Video) Creating a Class (Video) ... to Classes. Displaying 1-16 of 16 Articles. Sign up now (it's free!) Whether you're a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement. Get started. Learn ...

  13. Viewing your Assignments: Teachers : Help

    Find the Vocabulary List that you assigned to your classes. Click on the Assignments tab and then Current Assignments to view the assignments for that List. In the right-hand column, you'll see a list of existing assignments. Click the gray circle with a bar chart to view the details on the class progress on the assignment.

  14. I'll Help You Speak Like a Native: My Work Trip Vlog for Perfect

    In this video you'll come along with me on a work trip and learn how to have perfect English pronunciation. I'll help you sound like a native speaker by usin...

  15. assignment

    Assign this list to your students. Start a free 10-day teacher trial to engage your students in all of Vocabulary.com's word learning activities. Set up fun Vocab Jams, create a quiz, and monitor each student's progress. Start your free teacher trial. Learn more about how Vocabulary.com supports educators across the country.

  16. Joining (and leaving) a Class : Help

    Joining (and leaving) a Class. How to join a class on Vocabulary.com. To join your teacher's class, you will need an invitation from your teacher. Get an invitation: Ask your teacher to send you an invite via email, or to print you out a handout with the class invite URL. The class invitation is just a special URL that you can paste or type ...

  17. Completing a Quiz: Students (Video) : Help

    When your teacher assigns you a Quiz, the assignment will appear on your Assignments and Activites page. You'll also see a notification the next time you log on to Vocabulary.com or when a new Quiz is assigned. Taking a Quiz. There is no time limit for each question, though when you complete the Quiz, you will see how long it took you.

  18. Viewing your Assignments and Activities: Students (Video)

    Vocabulary.com : Help - If you are in a class and your teacher has assigned you work to do on Vocabulary.com, you can view all your assignments by visiting the Assignments & Activities page.. There you will find a list of assignments you need to complete along with their due dates and your progress on each assignment.

  19. Getting Started Guide for Teachers : Help

    Getting Started Guide. First: Create a Class. From the My Classes page, click the green Create a New Class button. Type in a name for your class. Create a separate class for each period. Select an end date for your class. Note: classes can last up to a year. Type in the name of your school and click it. If your school already appears, skip this ...

  20. Creating and Assigning a Quiz (Video) : Help

    Next click on the Vocabulary List you want to create a quiz for. On the right side of the page that appears next, locate the Assign a Quiz button in orange. You can also create a quiz from any Vocabulary List. Click on the Assignments tab and then on the orange Quiz icon. Creating and Customizing a Quiz.

  21. InstaList

    Vocabulary.com - learn new words, play games that improve your vocabulary, and find easy-to-understand definitions in our super-fast dictionary.

  22. Vocabulary.com Dictionary

    Find the word you're looking for faster than any other online dictionary. That's less time searching, more time learning. Vocabulary.com is the world's best dictionary for English definitions, synonyms, quizzes, word games, example sentences, idioms, slang phrases, medical terms, legal terms, Vocabulary Bowl, and more.

  23. Keep Calm and Play On: How to Integrate Vocabulary.com Into a Remote

    Educators across the map are ramping up remote learning right now, and we wanted to share these tips for integrating Vocabulary.com into your plans for online instruction. 1. Bring everyone together (virtually!) with a Vocabulary Jam. A Vocabulary Jam is a great way to create a sense of community and have some fun while learning. The Jam is a ...

  24. Writing assignment

    an assignment to write something. DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word 'writing assignment'.Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback

  25. Word of the day: cartography

    Expand the boundaries of your vocabulary with this list! Human Geography - High School Review these human geography terms and learn all about the human forces that shape and are shaped by the natural world.You'll explore immigration and emigration, colonialism, development and urbanization, demography, globalization, and much more.