Resources: Vocabulary

FOR DEEPENING VOCABULARY UNDERSTANDING
Visuwords
Use this innovative site as a dictionary or thesaurus. Entered words are displayed within semantic maps containing synonyms, antonyms, and derivatives, helping students place new definitions in a fuller linguistic context.
Words & Their Stories - 5th - 12th grades, $80/year
This web-based program builds vocabulary and reading comprehension through inductive reasoning and critical thinking. Using information about etymology and plenty of opportunities to read words in context, students will do more than just memorize words in WATS's curriculum - they'll understand them. The program teaches over 1,000 words, many of which are commonly found on the PSAT and SAT. Interested parties should know that despite its game-like feel, the program involves a lot of reading.
TO STRENGTHEN VOCABULARY
Free Rice - grades 3 and up
Free Rice offers multiple choice vocabulary quizzes that get harder as a player answers questions correctly. For each question answered correctly, the World Food Programme will donate 10 grains of rice to hungry people around the world! (It doesn't sound like much, but the game is so addictive, you'll donate several bags in no time.) Check out Free Rice's other multiple choice quizzes on topics such as literature, foreign language, math, and science.
Wordly Wise 3000 - kindergarten - high school
A dynamic, online vocabulary enrichment program. $15 for a 12-month subscription
Visuwords
Use this innovative site as a dictionary or thesaurus. Entered words are displayed within semantic maps containing synonyms, antonyms, and derivatives, helping students place new definitions in a fuller linguistic context.
Words & Their Stories - 5th - 12th grades, $80/year
This web-based program builds vocabulary and reading comprehension through inductive reasoning and critical thinking. Using information about etymology and plenty of opportunities to read words in context, students will do more than just memorize words in WATS's curriculum - they'll understand them. The program teaches over 1,000 words, many of which are commonly found on the PSAT and SAT. Interested parties should know that despite its game-like feel, the program involves a lot of reading.
TO STRENGTHEN VOCABULARY
Free Rice - grades 3 and up
Free Rice offers multiple choice vocabulary quizzes that get harder as a player answers questions correctly. For each question answered correctly, the World Food Programme will donate 10 grains of rice to hungry people around the world! (It doesn't sound like much, but the game is so addictive, you'll donate several bags in no time.) Check out Free Rice's other multiple choice quizzes on topics such as literature, foreign language, math, and science.
Wordly Wise 3000 - kindergarten - high school
A dynamic, online vocabulary enrichment program. $15 for a 12-month subscription

Quack! Vocabulary Videos - middle & high school
We can't say enough about these fantastic vocabulary videos. Each DVD in the five-disc series teaches 20 words that commonly appear on the SAT with "Monty Python-inspired" skits. The videos are hysterically funny, ensuring that kids will want to watch them over and over again, cementing learning. And the ridiculous situations used to present the words means they'll be easy to remember. The DVDs also come with pre- and post-tests and interactive quizzes.
We can't say enough about these fantastic vocabulary videos. Each DVD in the five-disc series teaches 20 words that commonly appear on the SAT with "Monty Python-inspired" skits. The videos are hysterically funny, ensuring that kids will want to watch them over and over again, cementing learning. And the ridiculous situations used to present the words means they'll be easy to remember. The DVDs also come with pre- and post-tests and interactive quizzes.
FOR GAINING EXPOSURE TO NEW WORDS
Podcasts for Building Vocabulary - for precocious middle school students and up
Reading widely (i.e. exposure to variety of text type and topics) and deeply (i.e. attentively) is the best way to build vocabulary, but intelligent podcasts can both increase a student's vocabulary and improve their general knowledge. Visit our blog to read about some of our favorite podcasts that will introduce students to both great words and engaging ideas. |
Newspaper and Magazines for Building Vocabulary - for middle school and high school
Reading novels is not the only way to expose students' minds to new vocabulary. Most newspapers are written at a level accessible to students in middle and high school, and some magazines can also make for great, educational reading. Visit our blog for some great magazine choices for young adults.
Reading novels is not the only way to expose students' minds to new vocabulary. Most newspapers are written at a level accessible to students in middle and high school, and some magazines can also make for great, educational reading. Visit our blog for some great magazine choices for young adults.
Links are provided for informational purposes only. Links do not indicate endorsement of any particular products or services. Some resources may not be appropriate for all learners. We urge you to carefully review any of the products, services, or tools linked to from these pages prior to allowing children to use them without adult supervision.