There are many different types of vocabulary games that teachers or tutors often use with their students to encourage them to learn new words and become conversational with new vocabulary. Games in which students can compete against each other are quite popular, such as dividing the class into two teams, and having them answer questions using vocabulary words. Matching or guessing games, as well as fill-in-the-blank options, are games that students can play on their own. There are many different types of interactive vocabulary games to be found online as well, which students often enjoy because it allows them to play on the computer.
Group vocabulary games are popular in classes of all ages. They do not need to be particularly complex, either. The teacher can simply write a series of questions, for which the answer for each is a vocabulary word. Students can then guess the answers to the questions, and learn their vocabulary at the same time. Teachers might choose to make the game more difficult by asking students to use the word in a sentence as well as simply answering the provided question. Encouraging students to use the word themselves will make it more likely to become a part of their active vocabulary, which is the ideal goal. Other group games might involve having the students draw a picture of the word on the board or act out the word, if possible, and having other students guess it.
Encouraging students to play vocabulary games on their own might also be useful, particularly for down time during class. Word matching games for younger kids can be helpful, as well as crossword puzzles for more advanced students. Starting with one word, and then having kids try to think of as many synonyms or antonyms as possible can also be an effective way to teach that concept. Simply providing a list of words and a list of definitions, and having students match them up, can work as well.
In addition, there are many online vocabulary games to be found on the Internet. Schools may also purchase software programs that feature vocabulary games, to ensure students do not browse anywhere on the Internet they aren't supposed to. Kids tend to respond pretty well to these because they are generally very familiar with using computers, and enjoy the interactive nature of these games.