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For many middle school ELA and high school English teachers, teaching vocabulary in the classroom is just one more task, one more thing to do that takes away from reading and writing. However, as tedious of a task as it can be, including vocabulary in your curriculum is integral to helping students become stronger readers and writers. Continue reading to learn how to teach vocabulary in the secondary ELA classroom.
Here are 5 tips for teaching vocabulary
Focus on fewer words
Having fewer words on vocabulary lists is one of the best ways to make vocabulary less daunting for both teachers and students. As a recommendation, I like to include no more than five vocabulary words a week so that students can focus more on each word. Fewer vocabulary words also help students not mix up words. With both my Academic Vocabulary Program, I provide students with just five vocabulary words a week.
Have a routine
When students have a routine, they know what to expect in the classroom. One of the things that I like best about how I include vocabulary is that we have a routine and focus on the words each day, even if for only five minutes as a warm-up or exit ticket. On Mondays, I introduce students to the words. On Tuesdays, students draw a quick sketch associated with the word. On Wednesdays, they create a word web to help them expand on and reflect on their understanding of the words. The routine in the Academic Vocabulary Program is fun and engaging!
Reward student use
Keep it consistent 
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In order to maintain an effective vocabulary program, consistency is key. With the exception of shorter weeks because of holidays and rallies, it is really important to try to include vocabulary each week. However, sometimes, scheduled breaks can be a good thing. Whenever I schedule a break from vocabulary for my students, I let them know that we are taking a break but will continue next week. That helps hold me accountable, especially because it can be very easy to forget to start back up the next Monday.
Create a word wall
Creating a word wall can be a fun and engaging way for teachers to visually show students just how many words they’ve been introduced to and learned during the year. For each vocabulary word that you introduce, assign one student to that word. Provide students with a note card, and then give the student time to create a vocabulary notecard with the word written in big, bold text with the definition written underneath the word. Encourage students to use vibrant, bold colors and decorate the card. The end result will be a stunning classroom display.
Teaching Vocabulary: An Academic Vocabulary Program
Revolutionize the way you engage your students with vocabulary with this year-long academic vocabulary program! If you find yourself dreading, or even avoiding, including vocabulary in your middle school ELA or high school English curriculum, this vocabulary unit is for you!
This academic vocabulary unit is filled with engaging vocabulary activities, and it is designed to help prepare secondary ELA students to succeed in your English class.
What teachers say:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied
“This resource is amazing. Since I have my students for both 7th and 8th grade, I have divided the lists up between the two grade levels. This resource is super easy to implement into the classroom. Thank you.”
“I used this as a bell ringer for my ninth graders. I would introduce the unit on Monday, and they would complete the day’s activity as soon as they came to class each day. Great word selections and activities! Another amazing resource from The Daring English Teacher!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Extremely satisfied
“I love this resource! It’s all encompassing and fully fit all the terms I had to teach my classes. I range from 9-12 for English, as well as a variety of needs in my classes. This resource helped give a variety of terms, ways to study/activities and allowed for me to add differentiation methods/options for students. It’s saved me a lot of time from having to make my own. Thank you”
