5 Fun Vocabulary Games That Boost ESL Students' Retention and Recall
As an ESL teacher, you’ve likely faced the challenge of students quickly forgetting newly learned vocabulary. The good news is, vocabulary learning doesn’t have to be dull! In fact, by incorporating engaging and interactive vocabulary games into your lessons, you can boost retention and help your students actually remember those tricky words.
In this blog, we’ll explore five vocabulary games that will not only make learning fun but will also increase the likelihood that your students retain and recall the new words they learn.
5 Fun Vocabulary Games That Boost ESL Students' Retention and Recall
1. Vocabulary Basketball
Perfect for reviewing vocabulary at the end of class, Vocabulary Basketball involves students answering questions about vocabulary definitions or identifying pictures that match words. If they answer correctly, they get to throw a paper ball into a bin for points. This fast-paced game engages kinesthetic learners and adds a fun, low-stress speaking practice opportunity.
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2. Word Association Chain
Start with a word, like "apple." The next student says a related word like "fruit," and then the next student might say "banana." The goal is to build lexical connections, which helps students remember words in context. You can spice it up with “challenge cards” for even more engagement!
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3. Vocab Pictionary
One student draws a word, while the rest of the class guesses. Whether it's related to jobs, weather, or any vocabulary list you're working on, Pictionary is an enjoyable way to help students recall and comprehend words. Plus, it’s great for visual learners.
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4. Mystery Bag
This activity involves putting objects or picture cards into a bag. A student pulls out one item, and the rest of the class has to guess what it is based on the student’s description. It’s perfect for practicing descriptive language and building confidence in students’ speaking abilities.
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5. Vocabulary Relay
This energetic game involves teams of students racing to grab vocabulary cards and either use them in sentences or define them. Vocabulary Relay works wonders for younger students who need to move while still learning.
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Why Vocabulary Games Work
These games encourage active participation, provide real-time language practice, and help students make meaningful connections with new words. They also allow you to adapt your lessons to suit different levels, from beginner to advanced, ensuring everyone gets a chance to shine.
Looking for more fun ideas? Download our free printable vocabulary game pack to bring these activities to your classroom!
