Learning new vocabulary words is an essential task for ESL students. While new vocabulary creates opportunities for writing and speaking, the words are often difficult to remember. Hearing and writing the word and definition one time is only part of the memorization process. Using a variety of activities allows the students to read and write the words multiple times, encouraging memorization and practical use.

Sentences
Using vocabulary words in complete sentences allows students to understand the meaning of the word while improving grammar skills. For lower level students, provide fill-in-the-blank sentences with a word bank. For advanced students, direct students to use vocabulary words in their own sentences to demonstrate the meaning of the word. Encourage students to use different sentence forms including declarative, imperative, interrogative and exclamatory. For vocabulary words that are verbs, ask students to write sentences using the past, present and future tenses.

Stories and Letters
Reading and writing stories are a way to reinforce the vocabulary taught in the classroom. Cloze activities are stories or summaries of a story that use fill-in-the-blanks. Create your own and add a word bank of vocabulary words depending on the difficulty level.

Ask students to write their own stories using a given amount of vocabulary words. Both summaries of the lesson and creative writing are beneficial to students.

Assign letter writing to the students that includes a minimum number of vocabulary words. Ask students to write a letter to a character in a book you are reading or to another student explaining the story or lesson they are learning about.

Oral Practice
Using vocabulary words in spoken form is equally as important as written form. Pair up students and ask each to prepare a list of questions using the vocabulary words. The students take turns asking questions and answering the partner's questions.

Place students in groups of three to five and ask them to write and perform a skit that includes their vocabulary words. Encourage the students to be creative and make up their own story and characters. If you are reading a story in class, allow students to use the characters and plot to summarize what is happening.

Additional Practice
Write the vocabulary words on the board and ask students to give the definitions or use the words in sentences. Make a game by dividing the class into two teams and give each team a point for a correct answer.

Play charades with the students. Ask one student to come to the board and draw a picture associated with a vocabulary word. Have the class guess the word. The person that correctly guesses the word must use it in a sentence.