vocabulary assignment

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A Fun Vocabulary Activity for Middle or High School

Teaching vocabulary in high school? It can be difficult but also rewarding. In this post, read about ideas for teaching vocabulary to older students. Included, details for a simple but meaningful fun vocabulary activity to extend learning.

TWO WAYS STUDENTS ACQUIRE NEW WORDS

Word knowledge directly impacts students’ reading comprehension.  Vocabulary experts agree that in order to comprehend what they read, students need to know between 90 and 95 percent of the words they will confront in a text. If a student approaches a text with that level of readiness, he or she will be able to determine the main idea and make educated guesses about the meaning of unfamiliar words, which is how that student acquires new vocabulary indirectly.

For this reason, one of the best ways you can introduce your students to new words is by allowing them opportunities to learn vocabulary indirectly through reading experiences. Students can and should read on a daily basis – at all ages. Reading books at the appropriate reading level is the best vocabulary extension activity you can provide in any content area. Still, teachers need to introduce students to new words directly as well.

KEYS TO DIRECT VOCABULARY INSTRUCTION

What are the keys to effective direct vocabulary instruction? Pinpointing the answer to this question can lead to powerful transformations in the way you approach vocabulary in your classroom. According to research, several key factors play into ensuring that students  learn the words instead of simply  memorizing them.

The list size needs to be small and manageable. Determining an appropriate number for your students might be a process of trial and error. It depends on your students’ age and ability, their existing background knowledge, and the sophistication of the words you are asking them to learn.

In my high school classroom, lists consist of ten to fifteen words, and I allow students two weeks to interact with them on a daily basis before I expect mastery. Less is more. Quality over quantity. When it comes to vocabulary lists, the cliches apply.

2. Presentation

Students need to hear and see the word used in meaningful and specific ways before we can expect them to do so on their own.

When I introduce words, I always do so via direct instruction , never by assigning a list and asking them to look up the definitions on their own. As I introduce the word, I engage students in meaningful discussions, whereby I can help them understand the word’s derivatives and connections to the real world.

Direct instruction is a perfect time to use mentor sentences and allow opportunities for teens to see the words used contextually in literature.

3. Practice

Students need to have ample opportunities to interact with the word  every day . For this reason, I always make time for my students to study their words during class . You’ll know when students have actually learned the words. They’ll use them in their speaking and writing, and they will refer less to their notes during review. I always try to keep a fun vocabulary activity on hand to keep practice fresh.

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

Students need to be engaged when learning about new words. Teachers can accomplish this goal through choice and differentiation as well as by pulling in topics of interest. For instance, referring to current events, school controversies, and pop culture are just a few examples of how engaging students through associations will make learning more valuable and memorable. When teachers help students to truly love and appreciate learning new words, magic happens.

DIFFERENTIATING VOCABULARY

I have a passion for differentiating vocabulary instruction by learning styles and abilities . I’m always devising new ways for students to think about their words…different angles that might offer another perspective on how to use a word or remember it. In one of my favorite differentiated vocabulary assignments, I offer my students countless angles for approaching words on any list. Through creative questions, I prompt my students to analyze a word in unique ways. For instance…

Fun Vocabulary Activity 1

Think about the meaning of this word: abase .  I f you were to give this word a rating (think movie rating) for its appropriateness, what rating would you give it, and why?

This question would first require students to review the meaning. Abase means “to behave in a way so as to belittle or degrade someone. Then, students would need to think about that definition deeper. Does a word like abase deserve a G, PG, PG-13, or R rating, and why?

Obviously, there’s no one right answer. Students might respond that it should be rated PG-13 because parental guidance is advisable when children are being mean to others. They might further explain that bullying is common in high school, which is why they rated it a PG-13 instead of just PG. Asking students this one simple question has allowed them to make connections to real-life (bullying and the idea that parental guidance is necessary when one child is abasing another), which strengthens their connection to the word.

Fun Vocabulary Activity 2

Here’s another example:

Create an acrostic poem using the vocabulary word. Make sure the poem reflects an aspect of the word and illustrates how you think about it.

• A – afraid
• B – belittle
• A – antagonize
• S – shame
• E – esteem

Students might then provide a written explanation of their acrostic.

The vocabulary word  abase has a negative connotation. When I think of this word, I’m reminded of people who are afraid of those who degrade others. Students who are abased might be scared to go to school for fear of being belittled. Bullies often antagonize people by shaming them. Sometimes they do this in person, but more, often, they do it on social media. When victims are abased, their self-esteem is impacted. 

A SIMPLE VOCABULARY EXTENSION ACTIVITY

After my students interact with a vocabulary word through the task cards and supplemental exercises, it’s easy and effective to ask students to reflect on what they have learned with a fun vocabulary activity that encourages them to extend their learning.

Using the numerous answers they provided during the differentiated vocabulary practice, I ask them to select the associations they made that are the most powerful. I ask them,  Which connections really help you to understand this word? Which connections helped you to have the “Ah ha! I get it!” moment? Using those responses, students create a mini poster. They can do this artistically by hand drawing, by making a collage, or by compiling ideas digitally.

Then, I use these posters to create a word wall. Each student will connect with vocabulary word differently, so the posters can be extremely unique. When they see their words displayed on the wall, it helps them to take ownership of their learning and feel proud they have contributed to their environment – win, win!

RELATED RESOURCE:

Looking for a fun vocabulary activity? They are my jam. Click on the image below to view the details of the differentiated vocabulary practice assignment that allows students to interact with their words from various angles in meaningful ways.

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21 Ideas for Teaching Vocabulary

I’m sharing 21 ideas for teaching vocabulary. You may not be able to use all of them, but I hope you can find some ideas that will work well for you!

I’ve shared books about vocabulary instruction , as well as the theory and techniques . This post is a lot more practical. We’re all about ideas today!

I’m sharing the bare bones of the ideas here.

I’m adding lengthier explanations for some of them with more tips and fleshed-out instructions on my website devoted just to vocabulary instruction, VocabularyLuau .

You’ll see that option at the end of the idea if it’s available. 

IDEA #1: Semantic Maps

In this activity, the teacher chooses a word and displays it for the class on a whiteboard, etc.

Students read the word and then think of words that come to mind when they see that word (this is awesome because it activates prior learning).

A list is created of all of the words that come to mind, and then those words are categorized.

This can be done as a whole class or in small groups.

Students then create a “map” using a graphic organizer and discuss it. Additional or substitute categories can be suggested.

As students read through the text, they can add related words to the map.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #2: Eye Spy

Give students a list of words to search for in a text or have them find unfamiliar words.

You can award points to the words based on different criteria (longest new word, word with most consonants, etc.).

Invest in a set of inexpensive dollar store magnifying glasses to make this more game-like.

This is a great pre-reading activity.

Want more details on this strategy? Get the step-by-step on  VocabularyLuau.

IDEA #3: Making Choices

Students show their understanding of vocabulary by saying the word when it applies, or remaining silent when it doesn’t.

For example: “Say radiant if any of these things would make someone look radiant.” -Winning a million dollars. -Earning a gold medal. -Walking to the post office. -Cleaning your room. -Having a picture you painted hung in the school library. 

(This idea is from the book Bringing Words to Life , recommended in the books section.)

This is one of the key strategies teachers need in introducing new vocabulary. Because of that, I’ve written extensively and given a dozen examples from different texts for Kinder through 12th grade on VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #4: Sorting Hat

Use a Harry Potter theme to have students sort words into categories. They can pull them out of a hat.

If you give them the categories, it’s called a “closed sort.” If they come up with their own categories, it’s called “open sort.”

This one is so, so fun. I explain lots more about how to do it on VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #5: Word Pairs

Give students words in pairs and have them evaluate if the words are the same, opposite, go together, or are unrelated.

This strategy is terrific for building critical thinking skills along with the vocabulary.

Get even more details and variations at VocabularyLuau .

(adapted from Word Power: What Every Educator Needs to Know about Teaching Vocabulary )

IDEA #6: Linear Array

In this strategy, students use a graphic organizer that is a rectangle, three ovals, and then another rectangle, all in a line.

The word in question goes in the rectangle on the far left.

The rectangle on the far right is filled in with a word that is the opposite.

The center three ovals are filled in with words that go from the far left to the far right, gradually become less similar until they reach the opposite.

For example, microscopic, tiny, small, bigger, large.

You can see examples of the graphic organizer, more details, and lots of variations on VocabularyLuau .

(adapted from Words, Words, Words: Teaching Vocabulary in Grades 4 – 12 )

IDEA #7: Games

Many “real” games work well for vocab play and practice. Games such as Balderdash , Taboo , Scrabble , Blurt , Bananagrams ,  word bingo, and others are fun.

There are online games as well, such as Scholastic’s Synonym Toast .

[Note: I am a notoriously horrible Scrabble player, and every time I play I think, “English teachers should be better at this.” It’s not my favorite.]

IDEA #8: Scavenger Hunt

Have a word scavenger hunt in books, magazines, articles on the net, or in the school or home.

Don’t just go for numbers; go for unusual words, academic vocabulary, weird spellings, homophones, etc.

IDEA #9: Word Wheel

Copy and paste this image onto a sheet of cardstock and make a vocab spinner game. EisforExplore shares the whole idea here.

IDEA #10: Vocabulary Photo Album

Using a simple, inexpensive photo album, students create a visual glossary of key words.

I’ve got pictures of examples, details, and more ideas at VocabularyLuau , if you’d like to read more.

IDEA #11: Tally

Use tally marks to track words you’re trying to practice.

Mark whenever the teacher says the word in context, and mark twice when a student does.

Alternatively, you can have the tally marks be even, but play the teacher versus the class.

There’s so much more to this strategy. Learn more about how tally marks can help you teach vocabulary at VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #12: Vocabulary Relay

Print out words on one set of cards (copy this set a few times) and definitions, context, or sentences in which they could be used (fill-in-the-blank) on another set (just one set).

Jumble up the words in a pile in the middle of the floor, and jumble up the definitions, context, and sentences to keep with you. Break students into teams of five-ish.

Call out the definition/context/sentence and give students some think time (8 – 10 seconds) to talk about what word it might be.

After the discussion time, call out “Word!” One member from each team runs to the center and tries to find the word in the pile.

I like having multiple sets of the words so more than one team can get it.

Check to make sure they’re correct, and then discuss it briefly before the next round.

Note: I got this idea from another teacher’s site, but I cannot for the life of me remember where. I have searched Google for it, and can’t find it. A small prize to the person who can figure out the originator of the idea!

I’ve written quite a bit about it here, but I’ve written more (and have lots of pictures of it in play) at VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #13: Vocabulary Category Relay 

This is a different relay activity than the one above, even though the names are so similar.

In this version, teams of students race to fill in words responsive to a category that start with the letters of the alphabet in order.

This can be done individually, in groups, or even as a whole class. It’s also a good one for both digital and in-person instruction.

When I wrote about it on VocabularyLuau , I shared these score sheets for digital use, as well as printable versions.

IDEA #13: Comic Strip Word Activity 

I got the idea for using comic strips from This Reading Mama .

In some ways, it’s really a modified Frayer model. 

I loved it so much that I started making them like crazy. It turns out that they let me get a clear glimpse into how well the students had mastered the word. 

I have an entire article about this, filled with loads of ideas and resources at VocabularyLuau .

You can check out that article here (or click the image below).

IDEA #14: Paper Plate Vocab

I love this inexpensive matching game  from Finding Joy in Fifth Grade , and I think students could create it themselves.

IDEA #15: Heads Up Vocabulary Game

Students hold a word on a card in front of their foreheads. The students don’t know what words they have.

Students ask each other a series of questions to determine the meaning of their word. Or, students can give students clues to the person with the word to help that person guess the word.

This is a review activity, and it’s not for initial instruction.

It’s such a favorite that I wrote a very comprehensive article about it on VocabularyLuau . There’s even a hack for printing on Post-it notes!

IDEA #16: Word Sneak

Word Sneak is a game invented by Jimmy Fallon that he plays with guests on the Tonight Show.

In the game, Jimmy and the guest each get a stack of cards with words on them that they have to work into the conversation naturally (without sounding forced or stilted).

It’s hysterical to watch and fun to play.

It’s also a great way to learn different ways to approach a word.

It’s so much fun that when I wrote the article about in on VocabularyLuau , I also included a Tonight Show backdrop you can use in class to give it an even more “real” feel.

IDEA #17: Frayer Model

The Frayer Model is an oldie-but-goodie vocab activity model in which student work in multiple ways in a specifically laid out graphic organizer to engage with words.

This is such a must-know that I wrote a (very lengthy and detailed) plan for how to use it at VocabularyLuau .

It includes downloads and printables and digital versions, as well as exactly how (and why) to use this strategy.

If you are not familiar with it, please do yourself a solid and read more .

IDEA #18: Tweet

Have students create a “tweet” that a word would send out or with the word in the tweet in context.

You can use a tool like PrankmeNot or Siminator  to make it look real.

This strategy is so fun and so useful!

I’ve written about five different ways to do this (with examples) on VocabularyLuau , and I even have this free template for you there:

IDEA #19: Brain Power Words

This is a strong academic vocabulary activity that takes a little bit of time, but would really help get the words past the superficial level of understanding.

• Ask small groups of students to preview sections of a text and identify difficult words.
• For long chapters, assign different sections to different groups.
• Students place a Post-it next to the words in the text they identify as potentially difficult.
• Clues of substitution: A known word would make sense in the context and is probably a good definition.
• Clues of definition: The word is defined in the text (many textbooks do this).
• Clues of opposition: Words “not, unlike” etc. are excellent clues to what a word is not and thus help define the words.
• After the Brain Power Words list is identified and definitions sought, the students check their work with the teacher.

This strategy is from Becky McTague and Margaret Richek (it’s in the book Reading Success for Struggling Adolescent Learners  by Susan Lenski and Jill Lewis).

IDEA #20: The Concept Cube

A concept cube is a  pattern that is printed on paper or cardstock, cut out, folded, and taped into a three-dimensional cube.

Students write, type, or draw on the pattern prior to assembling the cube, and then  they “play” with the cube to explore concepts.

Depending upon the way you choose to use it, they can be similar to a three-dimensional  Frayer model .

You can print out a blank cube and have students print the responses below, or complete it online and then print it out.

Before folding, students write clearly in each square following the directions below.

Each student is given one challenging vocabulary word from a recent reading and asked to:

• Write the assigned vocabulary word in one square.
• Write a synonym (word or phrase) in another square.
• Write an antonym (word or phrase) in another square.
• Write a category or categories it could belong to.
• Write the essential characteristics of the concept of this word.
• Give one example.

Cut, fold, and tape the cube.

Roll the cube and read what comes up on the “top”; the student must tell the relationship of that word or phrase to the original word.

After students know their own cube without any errors, they exchange with a peer.

You can get more ideas and details, as well as a free printable, at VocabularyLuau .

IDEA #21: Phone a Friend

Search TeacherspayTeachers or Teachers Notebook for vocabulary activities you can use or adapt.

The beauty of this is that you can search by grade level and subject, so you can focus on what you’re studying.

A caveat to this is that if you create something grade level or content specific, you can share it with other teachers, too.

The Importance of a Variety of Activities

You want to have a variety of activities so that vocabulary instruction doesn’t become routine or boring.

Keeping it fresh with lots of different ways of learning will help students (and the teacher) avoid getting burned out or tired of working with vocabulary.

There’s been so much interest in this that I created an entire website just for vocab ideas called VocabularyLuau .

These 21 activities for teaching vocabulary are just a start. I’d love to know your ideas!

The Vocabulary Series

This post is Part 3 of a four-part series on teaching vocabulary. If you would like to check out the rest of the series, visit the posts below

• Teaching Vocabulary: The books
• Theories & Techniques that work (and don’t)
• 21 Activities for Teaching Vocabulary (this one)
• Ideas for English Language Learners

There’s even a great book for teaching vocabulary!

These ideas work for all vocabulary words.

If your students need to learn vocabulary words and terms that are specific to your content (words like acute angle or latitude or simile or biome ), have I got a book for you!

You know how I know it’s great? I wrote it! I wrote it for teachers just like you from the method I created in my own class with my own students and tested over and over.

You can learn more about it by clicking on the picture of it, or you can read more and see loads of examples here .

If you already know you want it, you can grab a paperback version on Amazon .

Or, if you want a digital copy, you can use the coupon code GIFTEDGURU for 20% off you can…

Do You Like Great Ideas?

If so, I share them in my email o’ goodness that goes out about once a month to thousands of people just like you.

You can sign up here (it’s free).

Note: This content uses referral links. Read my disclosure policy (it’s fascinating) for more info.

• Read more about: Excellent Teaching

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40 Vocabulary Activities For Middle School: Posters, Graphic Organizers, Games, And Other Ideas

March 29, 2024 //  by  Eileen Zajac

Set those boring worksheets aside and take your vocabulary lessons to the next level! Your kiddos will tap into their creativity, get up out of their desks, and work cooperatively to tackle their word study! Most of these ideas can be adapted for any grade level, but these are especially geared for 6th through 8th grade. Get ready to throw rote learning out the window for good and implement our list of effective vocabulary activities for middle school students today! Let’s take a look!

1. Vocabulary Quilts

Patch together colorful ‘quilts’ to support vocabulary development! By middle school, your kiddos should understand what the overall project is going to look like and will likely spend a bit more time creating the definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and pictures that relate to their vocabulary word!

Learn More: Instagram

2. Word of the Week

The Word of the Week activity is a great way to incorporate vocabulary into your morning routine! This routine exposes your students to new and sophisticated vocabulary that can go a long way in building their confidence. Be sure to give them the chance to practice using these words in their writing and speaking too!

3. Vocabulary Graphic Organizer

Graphic organizers are a super simple but effective way to build your kiddos’ word power! There are a variety of organizers out there that are specifically geared toward vocabulary, but this one offers your middle schoolers more opportunities to truly explore the words!

Learn More: Mrs. Warner Arlington

4. Vocabulary Bingo

Bingo is a classic and beloved game that works well to energize your classroom! Whether you use the definitions or the words from your vocabulary list on the boards, BINGO is sure to help build your middle school students’ academic vocabulary, while also letting them engage in a little friendly competition! 

Learn More: YouTube

5. Sticky Ball Tic Tac Toe

Spice up vocabulary activities with sticky ball tic tac toe! Your kids will have a blast deciphering the meaning of words based on the hints you provide. When they know the correct word, a member from each team will throw a sticky ball at the whiteboard grid to score a point!

6. Think, Pair, Share

This video shows a collaborative thinking strategy to use with a Frayer Model. Your middle schoolers will first think about their ideas before partnering up to share them. You can then have them work together to create examples and non-examples of these high-level vocabulary words! 

7. Context Clues Overview

If your learners don’t actually understand what context clues are, how are they supposed to use them? There are many types of context clues, but this activity cleverly focuses on just one, giving them practice with their knowledge of antonyms to figure out challenging vocabulary words.

8. Hot Seat

Your kiddies will love this guessing game! Have one student sit in the ‘hot seat’ with their back to a vocabulary word and let them try to guess the word from the hints provided by your other students. They’ll be having fun and expanding their vocabulary!

9. Pictionary Race

This game can be played at any grade level and all of your kids will love the competitive spin! Divide your kids into two teams with one member from each team drawing a picture of a vocabulary word on the board. Whichever team guesses the word first will get a point! 

Bluff is a bit more complicated, but it’s also super fun once your kids get their heads around it. It’s a great informal assessment to help you gauge your middle school students’ understanding of vocabulary words and it’ll also help them figure out their poker faces early on. Curious? Check out the video!

11. Vocab Ninja

This is another fun team activity to challenge your kiddos in both spelling and vocabulary. They’ll love guessing the vocabulary word from the hints you provide, and when they think they have it, call on a team to spell the word and provide a definition! 

12. Vocabulary Trading Cards

What kid doesn’t love trading cards? This creative activity can easily be adapted as a DIY vocabulary activity for any subject area. Let your learners create the vocabulary cards themselves with their own pictures and definitions and then let them have fun trading their cards with each other. 

Learn More: Mr. Elementary

This one is sure to be a hit! Purchase Jenga, and tape or write the words from your vocabulary list onto the blocks. Each time one of your kids pulls out a block, they’ll have to define the word! This fun game can be used in small groups or if you have more than one set, make it into an exciting class tournament!

Learn More: Amazon

14. Word Wall

A word wall is essential in the middle school classroom. You can use your own vocabulary words, or for better recall and to ignite a little ownership over their learning, have your students create their own word walls! This type of constant reference of vocabulary words has been proven to aid learners in better vocabulary retention and spelling.

Learn More: Bright In The Middle

15. Free Rice

Give Free Rice a whirl to help your learners grasp the meaning behind essential vocabulary words. For every right answer that they select from the given options, a grain of rice will be donated to communities in need all around the world!

Learn More: Free Rice

16. Word Association

This game is a hit for both supporting vocabulary development and instilling a collaborative spirit into your classroom. Your kiddies will work together in groups or as a whole class to come up with different words associated with the target vocabulary word.

Learn More: Growing Play

17. Bean Bag Toss and Answer

This versatile game can be used in any classroom and for any word list! Simply write words on pieces of paper and have your kiddos toss their bean bags and give a definition for the word they land on. This game can also be played on a smaller scale with a ping pong ball and a muffin tin.

Learn More: Sight Words

18. Create a Gameshow Quiz

Your middle schoolers might not show their love outwardly for this game, but they will secretly crave it! Gameshow Quiz can be created with any list of vocabulary, questions, or definitions, and like many of our games on this list, this one can also be used in a healthy team competition! 

Learn More: Word Wall

19. Crossword Puzzle

Instill a lifelong love of word games in your kiddies by showing them the fun of a good old-fashioned crossword puzzle. After finishing all of the other fun and engaging vocabulary activities they’ll love how easy completing a calming crossword puzzle will be!

Learn More: Puzzlemaker

20. Sticky Note Word Wall

Get your kiddos involved in the collaborative word wall with some ever-so-popular sticky notes! Just post vocabulary terms from a current unit around the room and have them get up from their seats and write a sentence or definition that relates to each word! 

Learn More: Devin’s Meandering Mind

21. Online Flashcards

Paper index cards are fine but sort of boring. Meet your learners in the digital age with Quizlet! The best part about this user-friendly website is that it takes almost zero advanced preparation and your kiddos will love using the resource – it’s a win-win!

Learn More: Quizlet

22. Vocabulary Scavenger Hunt

There’s no need to hide things around your classroom for this fun online activity! Pick one or two website articles that relate to the unit you’re teaching. Your kiddos won’t need to read the entire article but will just skim and scan for words they don’t yet know. You’ll be surprised by what they’ll learn!

Learn More: Vocabulary Luau

23. Vocab Cubes

This academic vocabulary activity goes above and beyond simply reciting a basic definition! Your kids will love using cardstock or paper to add their own creative touches and bring their word list to 3D! Each face of the cube will encourage them to examine and define their chosen word. 

24. Relay Game with Vocabulary Words

Let’s get your kiddos moving! Tape up sheets of paper around the room that each has a vocabulary word from a current unit. Place your kiddos into groups of four and have them race to write a sentence on each page that correctly uses the word – the first group finished wins!

Learn More: Sadlier’s

25. First Letter, Last Letter

This one takes almost no advanced preparation time! Choose a topic and have one of your kids think of a word that relates to it. The next student has to think of a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word and so on. Your students will love continuing the chain until someone fumbles. 

Learn More: Word Finder

26. Vocab That’s Debatable

Your middle schoolers are sure to love a healthy debate! Pair up your students to chat about two sides of a debatable topic. Give them a checklist of commonly used debate vocabulary and phrases, such as “excuse me, but that’s not quite correct…” and prepare to be convinced!

Learn More: ESL BUZZ

27. Riddle Me This

What’s a fancy word for guess and a part of the scientific method? Hypothesis! Your learners will enjoy creating a series of riddles where the answers are their vocabulary terms. This activity is great for reinforcing academic vocabulary across the subject areas! 

Learn More: Innovative

28. Vocabulary Cartoons

Your budding artists will truly appreciate this word study activity. Creating vocabulary cartoons is a fun, challenging, and creative way to explore new vocabulary! Think about adding a technology component by having your techies create their cartoons in Adobe Illustrator or Canva!

Learn More: Curriculum Choice

29. Vocab Mad Libs

Everyone loves Mad Libs! It’s not only a great way to review vocabulary, but it offers a refresher on some word study knowledge! Create a couple of paragraphs about a topic that your students are learning. Then have them replace all the blanks with correct vocabulary and let the fun begin!

Learn More: Hobby Lark

30. Prefix Word Wheel

There’s nothing subpar about this prefix activity to help your kids see vocab in a different way! First, they’ll divide a circle template into sections, placing a prefix on center stage! They’ll label each segment with corresponding prefix words and pictures in this extraordinary activity!

Learn More: Smekens

31. Snippets

This game has fewer rules than other word games making it perfect for all levels! Pick a three-letter grapheme, prefix, or suffix to start, and write it on the board. Split your class into teams, set a timer, and have each team come up with as many words as possible. Ready, set, go!

Learn More: Snippets

32. Brain Power Words

What’s better than some instant differentiation? After you give your kiddos their own ‘just right’ article, have them find any unfamiliar words. They’ll learn to use context clues by substituting other words that make sense. What a way to highlight their new learning!

Learn More: Missouri Education

33. Speed Word Search

Ready, set, go! Time to pull out the old clunky hardback dictionaries – we promise it will be fun if you add a bit of competition! Just call out a word, any word will do…how about… “Collywobbles!” Your students will love racing to be the first to find the definition and win the round. Phew!

Learn More: Dictionary Games

34. Interactive Notebook

Why be flat when you can have flaps? Print out the template and have your kiddos create a visual vocab notebook. Each section includes a part of speech, picture, sentence, and definition that will deepen their knowledge of vocab words. This is great for home studying where they can even quiz themselves!

Learn More: Second Story Window

35. Digital Notebooks

If your kiddos aren’t already using Google Slides, here’s a great way to get them started! Have them make colorful slides for each vocabulary term and encourage them to get creative by adding graphics, synonyms, antonyms, sentences, and parts of speech!

Learn More: Vocabulicious

36. Create a Prezi Vocabulary Presentation

A flashy alternative to Google Slides is Prezi, so pull out those Chromebooks and level up your middle-school vocabulary instruction! Your kiddies will really get into their word study by linking definitions to visuals and they’ll love playing around with all the super fun features!

Learn More: Sadlier

37. Vocab Pictionary

Pick a word, any word! This game is similar to the Pictionary race organized around team competition, but it can also be played in pairs or small groups. Your kiddos do their best to draw a vocabulary word well enough for their classmates to guess. If working in pairs, mini whiteboards work great!

Learn More: Top Notch

38. Vocabulary Charades

Ditch any vocab test jitters with this one! Your kiddos will act out a word as their classmates try to guess it. To allow for some more think-time, try assigning it as homework! Just give everyone a word and have them make a quick two-minute video of themselves acting out the word! 

Learn More: Teach-nology

39. Vocab Match

his classic memory-matching game could be a fun station activity or an awesome task for your early finishers. You can either put all the word definitions on the backs of the cards or separate the words and definitions. You’re kiddos will love this leveled-up version of the old childhood game!

Learn More: ELA Matters

40. Connect Two

This is great practice for developing word association. List the vocabulary terms and make a second list that relates in some way to the first. Go in any direction – choose synonyms, antonyms, connotations, whatever you like! Your kiddos will make matches and explain their connections; there’s not necessarily one right answer!

Learn More: Reading Rockets