From Words to Meanings: How to Teach Vocabulary So Students Remember It Forever Teaching vocabulary isn’t just about giving students a list of words to memorize. It’s about helping them build strong, meaningful connections so those words become part of their long-term memory , and their everyday communication . When vocabulary is taught thoughtfully, students don’t just remember words for tomorrow’s quiz; they understand them, use them, and keep them for life. Here is a practical, teacher-friendly guide to making vocabulary unforgettable. 1. Start With Meaning, Not Memorization Many teachers begin with definitions, but the brain learns best when new information connects to something familiar. Instead of giving a dictionary explanation , try: Images Real-life examples Personal experiences Stories or short contexts For example, instead of explaining “ generous ,” tell a quick story of someone sharing their lunch with a friend. Meaning sticks when it feels real. 2. In...
The English teachers voice
David White is an Australian English teacher who has been living in Peru since 2001. In partnership with his wife Claudia, they are the owners of ¨English For You Language Institute´, an institute that specializes in the teaching of all levels of English from Basic (A1) to Advanced (C2) including international exam preparation. They are also the owners of ELT Educational Services and David is also the Headmaster of the American School, a respected bilingual ib school in Northern Peru.