Vocabulary Toolkit by Kelly Naspo

Flashcards

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

Using flashcards is a great method for memorizing vocabulary. Write the word on one side and the definition on the other. While you can use real flashcards or online flashcard tools, physically writing out the cards helps your brain remember more.

The Frayer Model

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

Break down words by defining them, listing characteristics, providing an example, and giving a non-example. This organizer helps deepen understanding and is great for unpacking vocabulary.

Make it Meaningful!

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

Use new vocabulary in your own sentences. Connect the word to your own life, hobbies, or interests. The more personal you make your practice, the easier it is to remember!

Teach Someone Else

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

Try explaining your new words to someone else—maybe a classmate or a family member. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn!

Quizlet: Make and Play Sets

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

Create your own vocabulary sets or search for ones for our unit topics! Quizlet offers games like matching, spelling, and practice quizzes. Available on your phone and computer.

Crossword Puzzles

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:24 UTC

There are lots of online tools, such as Puzzel.org, that you can use to create crossword puzzles for your vocabulary terms. They are a great way to challenge yourself and fill in the terms without any kind of word bank.

Visuwords

kellynaspo — 2025-09-14 16:18:25 UTC

Visuwords is what happens when a dictionary meets a mind map. It is a free online graphic tool that displays words and their meaning in an interactive map. This tool can help you explore word relationships and expand vocabulary.

Short & Sweet

kellynaspo — 2025-09-18 23:13:39 UTC

Study vocabulary in short, frequent sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.

Words in the Wild

kellynaspo — 2025-09-18 23:31:52 UTC

Pay attention during lesson presentations and activities (especially those that involve a decent amount of reading) for vocabulary words. Highlight and take note of these words whenever you see them. This will help you see how they are used in a real historical context.

Free Rice

kellynaspo — 2025-09-19 00:11:54 UTC

Freerice by the World Food Program is a free trivia game that helps end world hunger. For every question you answer correctly, the cash equivalent of 10 grains of rice is donated. You can set your difficulty level to easy, normal, or hard and test your vocabulary and knowledge on different history topics.

Note: It will not be customized to our specific vocabulary units, but it is still a great way to boost your brain power.

Historical Connection Grid

kellynaspo — 2025-09-19 00:56:19 UTC

This grid helps you link a new term to related historical knowledge.

NOTE: You can use the linked Slides to see the template I created, but if you want to use it for yourself, you need to make your OWN COPY and save it to your Drive first.