Games to Improve Vocabulary

For students with lower verbal scores

Interactive activities make vocabulary learning fun and engaging. They help students practise and retain new words, build connections between concepts, and improve confidence in using language.

In secondary classrooms, activities should move beyond simple word exposure and focus on depth of understanding, connections between ideas, and application in discussion and writing.

Check out three of our recommended activities.

Activity

Word association game

This fast-paced word game challenges students to think quickly and creatively by linking words within a given theme. By saying related words in succession, students build connections and expand their vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

How to play

Choose a theme (e.g., “sports,” “foods”).
Start with a word (e.g., “football”), and have students take turns saying a related word (e.g., “goal,” “team”).
Keep the chain going quickly to encourage fast thinking

How this helps

Fosters connections between words, builds recall, and encourages creative thinking.

Suitable for

Suitable for all ages, with themes adjusted for complexity:

Primary (7–10): Use simple themes like animals, foods, or colours to match their vocabulary level.
Secondary (11–16): Increase complexity by using abstract themes (e.g., emotions, historical events) or subject-specific terms (e.g., scientific vocabulary).

Secondary age considerations

Use abstract themes (e.g. justice, identity, cause and effect).
Link to subject-specific vocabulary (e.g. science, history, English).
Challenge students to justify connections (e.g. “How does this link?”).
Extend by asking students to use words in a sentence or explanation.

Activity

Vocabulary Charades

A lively game where students act out vocabulary words for their peers to guess. This kinaesthetic activity reinforces word meanings through physical representation, making it ideal for learners who thrive on movement and active participation.

Write vocabulary words on slips of paper.
A student acts out a word while the class guesses.
For example, for the word “jump,” a student might mime jumping.

Reinforces word meanings through physical activity and engages kinaesthetic learners.

Primary (ages 7-10): Use simple nouns or action verbs.
Secondary (ages 11-16): Incorporate abstract concepts or subject-specific terms.

Secondary age considerations

Focus on abstract concepts (e.g. democracy, evaporation, tension).
Use subject-specific terminology.
After guessing, require students to define or apply the word in context.
Use as a starter or retrieval activity in lessons.

Activity

Interactive Word Walls

A dynamic visual display where new vocabulary is showcased for the entire class. Students actively contribute by adding synonyms, antonyms, and sentences, turning the wall into a collaborative learning tool that enhances vocabulary retention and usage.