Vocabulary lessons can be time both consuming and fleeting in the classroom. Lasting knowledge of vocabulary is gained through repeated use and practice. Software like that found at Vocabulary.com provide a useful resource to meet this goal. Try moving your vocabulary lessons online. Vocabulary.com is a great resource for not only building custom vocabulary lists for students to practice, but also for them to practice. Students can use the time in class and also some time at home to review, practice, and master the words on the lists. In my experience, students tend to enjoy practicing their vocabulary with this lesson more than traditional worksheet or textbook vocabulary practice.
Given a list of vocabulary words, students will answer questions testing their knowledge of the words' meanings generated by software correctly three times in a row for each word on the list.
Before students get online to do the vocabulary lesson, the teacher should spend some time going over each vocabulary word with the class. If time allows, students can also write sentences in their journals to practice using the words. After these activities, preferably on a different day, students follow the steps below to access and complete the online vocabulary assignment.
Click on “Login” in the top right-hand corner of the page.
Choose the option “Login with Facebook” and enter the required information OR create an account to use for Vocabulary.com.
After you have logged in, go to enter the URL of the vocabulary list you need or search for the list you want. Once found, click the "Learn this list." Button in the top-right of the screen.
Once you have found the vocabulary list, click “Review” to view the words on the list and see their definitions, learn how to pronounce them, and read how they are used.
If you feel you are ready (or just want to give it a try,) click on “Practice”. This feature will ask you questions, and you get to try to answer. The website tracks your progress and keeps quizzing you until you have mastered all of the words. As long as you are logged in, it will show you the percentage you have mastered (top-right).
After completing the list, take a screenshot that shows you have mastered the list and email it to your teacher. your screenshot image should show the title of the list, your name, and the percent of the list mastered. See this image for an example.
Vocabulary.com automatically assess the performance of each user. The software requires users to answer three questions in a row correctly for each word on the list before it is considered 100% mastered. Students must show proof that they have mastered the list before the assignment is considered complete.
Below are some lists I have used in the past for novel study units in my Middle School Program.
Below are several other great online tools for kids to use to practice their vocabulary. vocabuary.com works for me, but you may enjoy more success with these.