What is your favorite way of introducing new words to English Learners?
English is such a complex Language yet simplifies as one advances. Introduction to new words help people differentiate words that may have the same meaning however is situation and noun dependent. How are some ways you as a Tutor, introduce new words to your students?
16 answers from our tutors
Best answer
Depending on where the new word comes from. If it comes from a lesson or reading material we are discussing I focus on its context. But if the class is based on learning new words I start with pronunciation (teacher, student then audio material) followed by the meaning of the word, how it can be used then learner gives examples of own sentences. Pictures and charts may be useful for beginners.
Now for my next act...I will introduce what I call a Vocabulary Sneak-Attack or the more subtle, "Word Ambush". As the student is still settled in you sneak a new word and see if they react, catch it, then i provide examples. Then sprinkle some humor to make it stick in their thoughts. Hell, throw in some charades if need be. Trust me, works like a charm!
To use flash cards for them to see and make it fun and easier to timber. I call out the new word on the flash card and read the definition to the student
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start test
Students can be introduced to new words, by using pictures, flashcards, playing word games or even through conversation. Tutors can bring up new words and challenge the students to guess the meanings, build sentences or guess the opposites, of the words etc.
I have found that not only using the word in context but also using synonyms helps a student grasp a new word. I also find repetition helpful and try to use the word once or twice more during the lesson.
I use flash-cards, or I like using pictures, images. It helps to understand the meaning of the word better. If it is impossible to introduce new words in picture, I use examples from real life
I want my students to feel relaxed when they're learning new words, it doesn't have to be that hard.
I tend to simplify it as much as possible, as from my point of view, the most important thing when explaining new words is to make it as simple and as memorable as possible:)
If the lesson isn’t vocab based, I like to introduce vocabulary words naturally. Usually they come up with the student trying to explain something to me, the student reading new words in a text, or the student hearing me say an unfamiliar word. When this happens, I never tell the student the dictionary definition when they ask me what it means. I ask them questions like ‘Based on the context, what do you think this means?’ And we work together
only through context which is relevant to their level
I use pictures, flashcards showing images that correspond to the new words, it helps learners make connections between the word and its meaning. I also use realia, real objects that are related to the new vocabulary. I also use the new word in sentences to help the learner understand the word much better.
Other student questions
- Hey Guys!!!! Does anyone know if it is possible to learn chinese here?
I was thinking to take a little course
Best answer
Not so genius, but this has worked with my Asian and Latino students: Substitute all "Th-" in words with a "D-", as it is an easier starting point e.g. instead of "The", ask them to say De(almost like a form of pidgin english: de boi VS the boy). Its a matter of throat to tongue, where sounds with "T" and "D" are easier to begin with and then you will gradually progress to the "Th-" sounds as the find confindence and comfort. You could always tell them to pretend they are blowing out candles on a birthday cake; and for the "Th" sound their tongue should gently touch their teeth, like in words like "Thin" or "This". Have them practice the not so elated soft "Th" sound-- its like their tongue is having a short siesta on their teeth! Such a mental jounery and lots of creativity will get you through a lot of pronounciation hurdles.
Best answer
The biggest challenge I faced while learning English was understanding and using different tenses correctly. It took time to get used to the various rules and exceptions.
