Teaching children new English vocabulary words can be difficult because they may have trouble conceptualizing their meanings. Providing a list of words and definitions is one presentation method but it's often not enough to engage a child in active learning. Interactive learning exercises can help stimulate a child's imagination and encourage him to learn.

Flashcards
Vocabulary flashcards can help students learn new words in an interactive way that fosters a competitive spirit in children. Provide a list of 10 to 15 vocabulary words and have students make flashcards by writing the word on one side of an index card and its definition on the other side. They can use the cards independently to memorize the words' definitions or they can work in pairs.

Short Stories
Select vocabulary words from books with which your students are familiar. Have them read the books in class and at home as a homework assignment. Seeing their vocabulary words in books helps students learn how to properly use them. It also provides context for the words, which helps students grasp their meanings. Challenge students to find their vocabulary words in other books and have them show their findings to the class for extra credit.

Computer Games
Computer games provide interactive, engaging ways for students to learn new words. There are many educational games available for free online, such as those on the PBS Kids website, pbskids.org, where kids can learn new words in the context of their favorite television shows. For example, the "Power Words" game challenges users to select the appropriate word given a set of circumstances involving the characters from the show "Wordgirl."

Spelling Bee
Host an in-class spelling bee. Challenge students to spell their vocabulary words to see who is the best speller. Memorizing a word's spelling helps some children internalize the word. You can also play "Around the World" with your students by flashing a word to a pair of students. The first student to correctly give its definition goes on to compete against the next student in an attempt to best all the students in the class.