When the goal is helping newcomers learn to read, vocabulary is the best place to begin. This article and corresponding checklist offer simple strategies to help English learners with vocabulary development.
Strategies for Vocabulary Learning in English Learners
When newcomers begin to learn a new language, one of the most essential skills they need to develop is vocabulary. A strong vocabulary foundation is key to reading, speaking, and understanding the language. But how do you help someone who is just starting to learn English with vocabulary? The process can be daunting, but with the right strategies for vocabulary learning, newcomers can begin building their vocabulary and start reading with confidence.
Use Picture Books and Visual Aids
One of the most effective ways to teach English vocabulary to newcomers is by using picture books. These books use illustrations to reinforce the meaning of new words. English learners can connect the word to an image, which makes it easier for them to remember and understand the term (Beck, McKeown & Kucan, 2013). You can also pair objects around the house or classroom with labels (e.g., "chair," "window," "door"), giving learners a visual reference to associate with the words they are learning.
Introduce High-Frequency Words First
Some words appear more often in everyday language and written materials than others. These high-frequency words, sometimes called sight words or Dolch words, are essential for early reading success. Teaching these words early in the language learning process helps newcomers gain confidence and quickly begin recognizing and understanding common words in texts. Research suggests that focusing on these words, along with repetition and context, is crucial for English vocabulary development (Graves, 2006). Use flashcards, repetition, and games like word bingo to make learning these words fun and interactive for English learners.
Incorporate Context and Sentences
While teaching individual vocabulary words is important, it’s equally crucial to show how those words fit into sentences and real-life situations. For example, instead of just teaching the word “eat,” demonstrate how it’s used in different contexts, such as “I eat breakfast” or “Do you want to eat lunch?” This approach helps newcomers understand how words function in meaningful ways, which is key to both speaking and reading fluency (Hiebert & Kamil, 2005).
Interactive Games and Activities
Games can make learning vocabulary both fun and effective. There are a variety of interactive activities that can help reinforce new words for English learners. For example:
- Matching games: Match vocabulary words to their pictures or meanings.
- Word searches and crosswords: These puzzles allow newcomers to see words in different contexts, which helps with retention (Cunningham & Allington, 2016).
- Charades or Pictionary™: These games encourage learners to connect the word with actions or images, making the learning process more dynamic.
Incorporating games into lessons not only keeps learners engaged but also gives learners multiple ways to interact with and reinforce new vocabulary.
Read Aloud Together
Reading aloud is one of the best ways to help newcomers practice both vocabulary and pronunciation. Choose simple books, short stories, or passages that align with English learners’ current vocabulary level. Start by reading together and encouraging learners to repeat after you. As they become more familiar with the words and sounds, they can begin reading on their own. To further reinforce vocabulary, stop periodically to discuss the meaning of new words and encourage learners to guess the meanings based on context (National Reading Panel, 2000).
Use Technology and Apps
Technology has made learning more accessible than ever, and there are a wide variety of apps designed specifically to teach vocabulary and reading to newcomers. Apps like Duolingo™, Memrise™, or Quizlet™ offer engaging ways for English learners to practice vocabulary through interactive lessons and quizzes. Many of these apps use spaced repetition, which helps learners remember words over time by presenting them in intervals (Tharp & Gallimore, 1988).
Focus on Themes and Topics of Interest
When newcomers are first starting to learn English vocabulary, it’s important to make it relevant to their lives. Focus on topics and themes they are interested in or that are practical for English learners’ day-to-day lives. For example, teach English vocabulary related to food, travel, daily routines, or their hobbies. By making learning personal and engaging, newcomers will be more likely to retain and use the new vocabulary in real-world situations (Snow, 2010).
Be Patient and Consistent
Learning vocabulary and reading takes time, especially for newcomers who may feel overwhelmed by the task. It's important to be patient and offer encouragement throughout the process. Consistency is key, so try to make language learning a regular part of their daily routine. Short, frequent practice sessions are often more effective than long, sporadic ones. Celebrating small wins along the way, such as reading a sentence correctly or recognizing a new word, will help keep newcomers motivated (Kamil, et al., 2008).
Encourage Self-Study and Practice
In addition to guided lessons, encourage newcomers to engage in self-study. They can keep a personal vocabulary journal where they write down new words they encounter, along with their meanings and sentences. Encourage these English learners to practice reading daily, even if it’s just a short passage. As their vocabulary grows, they will feel more confident and capable of tackling more complex reading material (Graves, 2006).
Helping newcomers learn English vocabulary and begin to read is a rewarding process that requires patience, creativity, and consistency. By using simple strategies for vocabulary learning—including visual aids, introducing high-frequency words, and incorporating engaging activities—you can create a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Most importantly, you will encourage a love of reading and language learning. With time and practice, newcomers will not only build their vocabulary but also gain the skills they need to become confident readers.
Beck, I. L., McKeown, M. G. & Kucan, L. (2013). Bringing words to life: Robust vocabulary instruction (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.
Cunningham, P. M. & Allington, R. L. (2016). Classroom literacy assessment and intervention (3rd ed.). Pearson.
Graves, M. F. (2006). The vocabulary book: Learning and instruction. Teachers College Press.
Hiebert, E. H. & Kamil, M. L. (2005). Teaching and learning vocabulary: Bringing research to practice. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Kamil, M. L., Borman, G. D., Dole, J. A., Kral, C. M., Salinger, T. & Torgesen, J. K. (2008).
Improving adolescent literacy: Effective classroom and intervention practices. U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences.
National Reading Panel. (2000). Teaching children to read: An evidence-based assessment of the scientific research literature on reading and its implications for reading instruction. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Snow, C. E. (2010). Academic language and the challenge of reading for learning about science. Science, 328(5977), 450–452.
Tharp, R. G. & Gallimore, R. (1988). Rousing minds to life: Teaching, learning, and schooling in social context. Cambridge University Press.
