I learned this just recently in a staff workshop (shows the power of peer learning/sharing!). thanks Rona!
Whatever vocabulary list / word bank you have – you can map it! Yes, just ask the students to draw a local map or a floor plan of a house or even a zoo layout.
Next, ask the students to put each vocab item in a particular place. Ask them to explain their choices.
ie. Colors. I put blue in my livingroom because it is where I like to think and feel blue!
Students can discuss their choices and why they put X in Y. It works like a charm and even fosters critical thinking skills. A wonderful technique for learning / acquiring vocabulary (because we know we acquire vocab. better if we connect it to an object / place).
Map it - Vocab. Technique,