Another one for vocabulary building: Memrise

This could be an alternative to your class vocabulary bag with the advantage that students can access it from home.

Once you've registered with Memrise you can create your own vocabulary list which you do by adding descriptions/definitions and images. Once you've built up a list, you can play games (and invite your friends to join in with you) that are designed to help you fix the new vocabulary in your brain.

More links from Jon Brown

• http://dictionary.reference.com/ compilation of word games to improve vocabulary and spelling. Good for higher level students B2+ and from 14+
• http://www.carnegielibrary.org/kids/storymaker/storymaker.swf nice software for creating stories either individually or in a whole class session. Primary 3 – 5
• http://www.listenaminute.com/index.html some good listening material with useful quizzes that students can either do iindividually or in a whole class session. B1+ from 11+

Insett: try something different this term!

The idea was to motivate teachers to try out one of three different aspects of teaching this coming term and during the summer courses: learner diaries, cuisenaire rods and vocabulary bags.

1. Learner diaries: click here to read Nik Peachey's analysis of how, when, why we can use them in class.


2. Cuisenaire rods: have a look here to find out how to use those strange little rectangular multi-coloured bits of wood.


3. Vocabulary bags are used by a number of teachers already, here is an extensive list of activities you can try out to motivate students further. Also click here for Ceri Jones' list of vocabulary games - games which she presented at the BC Bilbao teachers' conference last September.

Have a good time experimenting! And please post any sites you come across which relate to these 3 areas.