What’s one creative way you would introduce a new vocabulary word to ELLs? by Alexa Jacobs

2025-06-25 15:20:52 UTC

For my group's project, I just learned about the Frayer Model which is a type of graphic organizer for vocabulary words. I also think it could be helpful to know the word in the student's native language to help them make a connection!

2025-06-25 17:51:41 UTC

To creatively introduce new vocabulary to ELLs, I'd lean on a multi-sensory approach. I might start by having students act out verbs or adjectives, or I'd present real objects (realia) or clear pictures to give them immediate, concrete connections to the word's meaning. I'd also incorporate new words into short, engaging stories for context and repetition, and I'd maintain a visual word wall with accompanying images as a constant reference. I find that leveraging students' prior knowledge, perhaps by briefly connecting the new word to their native language (like using a Frayer Model template that includes translation), can really facilitate understanding. Finally, I'd definitely make it fun with vocabulary games like Pictionary or Charades, ensuring multiple, memorable exposures to the new vocabulary.

danigarb06 — 2025-06-26 13:00:21 UTC

I read about a similar approach to musical chairs, but with vocabulary. The idea is to place words in every chair, and as the students move around, they'd need to define or act out the word that is placed in the chair they are sitting in. I liked this approach because it is a movement activity, and at the same time, the whole class is involved, which also helps ELL students a lot since sometimes they struggle with getting involved in activities because they're afraid of making mistakes.

-Angela Garces

Scotty Segarra

scottysegarra — 2025-06-26 15:50:02 UTC

One creative way to introduce a new vocabulary word to ELLs is through a "word of the day" skit. After introducing the word with visuals and a simple definition, students work in small groups to create a short, fun skit that shows the meaning of the word in action. Acting it out helps make the word memorable, builds confidence, and gives students a chance to use the word in context with peers.

kmseip1998 — 2025-06-26 20:19:13 UTC

I would introduce new vocabulary words to English learners by incorporating multiple senses into the learning. One way is pairing the written word with the picture of the object. I would also connect it back to that word in the students native language to help ensure their understanding of it. I also like the idea of using visual and interactive word walls with ELs.

mkrgrose — 2025-06-26 21:51:46 UTC

One way I would introduce new vocabulary to English Learners is through an interactive read aloud. I do not believe that vocabulary should be introduced in an isolated way and should be introduced in context. When introducing the word through a read aloud I would pause and then use pictures, videos, or even real life objects to help build their background knowledge of the vocabulary word. After students have been exposed to the vocabulary word I may play different interactive games with previously learned vocabulary words to keep students exposed to vocabulary words they have learned.

Sarah Fister

2025-06-27 21:10:20 UTC

I introduce words to my EL students with a lot of visuals. We start with a vocabulary sheet-this sheet has the word and two columns. One column has a picture that is either given to them or they draw, and the other is where they write a definition. I try to find way that it relates to something they may already know, or understand. The visuals definitely makes the "light bulbs go off" quicker!

2025-06-28 04:47:48 UTC

I think for this question it would kind of depend on the student's English proficiency level. I would start with concrete objects, images or videos to demonstrate the particular words. Then once the words are taught, I'd then incorporate some hands-on games or activities to do with students. For older students I would use graphic organizers like the Frayer Model or word maps.

2025-06-30 18:06:06 UTC

I like the interactive read alouds. The students are seeing the words in contexts and not just as a word and definition. I think it is a great way for the students to use their knowledge from what they just read to figure out what the word means.

Carl Slepetz

cslepetz — 2025-07-05 08:45:34 UTC

I would most likely start by showing a picture as I say the word and have them repeat the word back to me. Then I would give the actual definition followed with an example sentence. Possible a word wall with the word and a picture next to it. Always would use visuals

Introducing New Vocabulary

2025-07-08 22:25:42 UTC

To teach ELs new vocabulary, I would introduce the word in a multisensory way (pictures, sounds, riddles, jokes, mnemonics); as well as practice pronunciation. I would use it in a (few) sentence(s) and then see if they can figure out how to incorporate it into a sentence on their own. I'd have them use their minds eye to do a scavenger hunt and think of something that can relate to that word. We would share our thoughts, maybe use AI to make those images come to life! -- this could be printed and placed in an interactive vocab notebook.

Yssence Andino

yssencemarie — 2025-07-11 01:58:51 UTC

I think there are probably many great ways to introduce new vocabulary words (I already see some really good ideas here on padlet by my peers) :). I'd have to say, I would try to make the visuals interactive, and let students have the ability to match them like a matching game. I could laminate and have the words be a magnet on the white board. I then also think having students organize these vocabulary words in an activity where they are given a word bank and need to put the word in the correct sentence. This would be done after exposing them to word and its meaning.