When teaching a second language, I understand that vocabulary is fundamental in developing students’ proficiency. I have wondered how to teach vocabulary in an engaging way. After taking this course and conducting research, I have learned several effective techniques including visual scaffolding, storytelling, songs, conversations, dialogues, and games.
Visual scaffolding plays a crucial role in introducing new vocabulary by providing students with concrete, visual references that enhance comprehension and retention. An example of visual scaffolding is using physical objects or manipulatives in teaching new words. A teacher can hold an apple while teaching the word pomme in French. It helps build a strong direct connection between the word and its meaning. In addition, teachers can display images or pictures related to the vocabulary to help students create mental images, allowing students to retrieve new words better. I believe that using pictures and visual aids can not only benefit visual learners but also support other students in solidifying their understanding.
Interactive word walls are another form of visual scaffolding. This method provides students with a visual cue for target vocabulary words. Building interactive word walls is an inquiry-based learning activity where students can recall their prior knowledge and have multiple exposure to new words. Using word walls can also reinforce connections among new words, making them more ingrained in students’ minds.
It is also important to recognize the value of stories and songs in teaching vocabulary. Using French songs, rhymes or stories that contain target vocabulary is a fun and memorable way to introduce new words. The repetition found in songs and stories can enhance word retention. This technique is particularly significant to First Nations languages where oral traditions like songs and stories play a major role, making it an effective approach for language learning process.
More importantly, engaging students in conversations and interactive learning activities effectively helps students recall and apply vocabulary into real-life situations. Teachers can organize dialogues or role-playing exercises that require students to employ vocabulary related to specific topics like favourite food or places that they want to visit. Conversations are also a practical way to teach students how new words can have different meanings depending on the context. Interestingly, games like bingo, memory matching, Simon Says, or Kahoot can turn vocabulary practice into an enjoyable and exciting activity where students can learn a second language effortlessly.
While learning new vocabulary is hard, it is also rewarding as it helps students develop all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Teaching vocabulary in a second language requires teachers to be flexible in using different methods such as visual scaffolding, stories, songs, conversations, and games to engage students. These techniques transform vocabulary lessons into a process of building understanding, retention, and application where new words are taught effectively.
