Word to the Wise

Do your students need a vocab rehab? 

Do your students need a vocab rehab? Discover easy, engaging strategies to upgrade their vocabulary and energize your ELA lessons.

Let’s be honest, vocabulary lessons sometimes get a bad reputation. When you mention “vocab,” many middle and high school students picture endless word lists, boring definitions, and memorizing terms they forget the second a quiz is over. But vocabulary is so much more than that. It’s the foundation for strong reading, writing, and communication skills. The trick is making vocabulary meaningful and fun by adding creative, hands-on activities that grab your students’ attention.

Here are some simple, engaging vocabulary ideas that work especially well for older students:

First up, turn your students into word detectives. Hand them a passage from a book, speech, or article and challenge them to track down “mystery words”—terms they don’t know or want to learn more about. They can use context clues, online dictionaries, or classroom resources to uncover the meanings. Then, ask them to explain the word in their own way, use it in a sentence, or relate it to something from their world. You’d be surprised how invested teens get when they’re in charge of choosing the words.

Another fun tool is vocabulary bingo. Make bingo cards using academic or subject-specific vocabulary and call out definitions or examples. Students have to find the matching word. It’s a simple way to review and keeps everyone on their toes. You can even add small prizes for extra motivation.

Don’t overlook word walls—but give them a twist. Instead of a basic word-and-definition list, have students add synonyms, antonyms, or examples of how the word shows up in literature, current events, or academic writing. For extra depth, create word categories like “Persuasive Writing Terms” or “Literary Devices.”

Crossword puzzles are also a hit, especially for test prep. Create custom crosswords using your current vocabulary list. This is a great independent or partner activity, and it sneaks in review without feeling like a quiz.

Middle and high school students also respond well to word games like vocabulary charades or Pictionary. Write tougher words or literary terms on cards and have students act them out or draw clues while classmates guess. It’s a lively way to reinforce meanings and keep class energy up.

Another creative idea is using Greek and Latin root word magnets. Give students small word parts (like bio, graph, chrono) and challenge them to build new words and explain their meanings. This reinforces word structure and helps students decode unfamiliar terms on their own.

Finally, encourage personal word journals or digital vocabulary logs. Students can track new words from readings, podcasts, or even conversations. They might jot down definitions, create sentences, or connect new words to their interests like sports, music, or gaming.

The key to teaching vocabulary is keeping it fresh, relevant, and a little unexpected. Mixing up activities and tying new words to things students actually care about makes vocabulary stick. When students see words as tools to express their ideas and navigate the world, vocabulary stops being a chore and starts becoming power.