Grab the Word: A Game for Teaching Vocabulary

“Grab the Word: A Game for Teaching Vocabulary” - http://www.teflvideos.com/

In this video students play an engaging game called “Grab the Word”. The student have already learned some time expressions (quarter to, quarter past, half past), and now when the teacher says an expression they have to pick up the correct clock picture the fastest. With younger students I would either put the students into teams, or have more than one correct clock out.

• Which of the principles were used in the lesson?

Three of Catherine Snow’s principles that are evident in the video are:

1. Cultivate “word awareness” - make sure that students enjoy learning words.
2. Ensure recurrent exposure - students need lots of opportunities to hear the words if they are going to learn them.
3. Pick generative words – very important to start with words that are most important in their lives. Words that will occur frequently in their lives.

• Was explicit instruction used? If so, do you think it was effective?

Prior to this activity/game, I believe explicit instruction was used. I think it was effective, as students were successful in picking up the correct clocks.

• How successful do you think ELLs would be in retaining and also producing the new vocabulary items a few days later?

The adult students were engaged and having fun playing this game. The instructor made it competitive and I believe the students will be successful in using the time related vocabulary a few days later. I like when she had a student take over and be the teacher.

• How would you incorporate at least one or two other principles into the vocabulary lesson?

Provide opportunities to use the word – Instead of just reading the words, writing, or listening, it is important for students to orally use the words, listen to themselves, see the reaction of their teacher and classmates.

After finding the correct clock I would have the student repeat what their clock represents “I have quarter past 2” or “it is half past six”.

• What is one fun vocabulary teaching activity you would add to this lesson?

As a next step I would have my students tell me (or write down) things they do during those times. For example: “I arrive at school quarter to 9”, “I start making dinner half past 6”.