Improve Vocabulary with Vocabulary Tables

Vocabulary tables can be very useful in helping intermediate to advanced students increase their vocabulary based on different forms of a particular word that is known to them. This activity can be strengthened by having students base their vocabulary tables on specific topics. By basing tables on specific topics, students also improve their "long term" memory of related words. In this lesson, you will find an example vocabulary table based on words related to making music, specifically classical music, as well as a lesson outline.

Aim: Expanding vocabulary in specific contexts

Activity: Table creation providing verb, noun, adjective and adverb forms of words

Level: Best with advanced levels

Outline:

• Begin lesson by asking students to explain how they go about learning new vocabulary.
• Explain the concept of "short term" and "long term" learning and the importance of contextual clues for effective "long term" memorization.
• Present the idea of creating vocabulary tables to help students build on pre-existing vocabulary knowledge
• Distribute a copy of the example vocabulary table based on classical music terms.
• Divide students into small groups asking them to create vocabulary tables based on a particular subject areas.
  Example: work actions, character, sporting actions, etc.
• Students create vocabulary tables in small groups.
• Copy student created vocabulary tables and distribute the copies to the other groups. In this way, the class generates a large amount of expanded vocabulary awareness in a relatively short amount of time.