Picture dictionaries organize vocabulary words into pictures of scenes from life, usually everyday life. The dictionary has already grouped words together for you. Since arrows or numbers relate the items in the picture to their English words, it also saves you time in putting together vocabulary lists and finding pictures to illustrate each word; the picture dictionary provides context. ESL teaching practically requires that you use pictures since many of your students speak different languages. Use photocopies of the picture dictionary pages for handouts and exercises. Also, use overhead projections of picture dictionary pages as a handy way to introduce new vocabulary to the whole class.
Quizzing students on vocabulary keeps them constantly learning words. Quizzes are often distasteful to students and teachers, but remember that you can be creative when you quiz. Instead of the usual written short-answer quiz at the beginning of class, give students oral quizzes. This means you have to set aside a little time outside of class to interview each student, but you use time out of class for grading, anyway. Oral quizzes are shorter, simpler to grade and more interesting for the teacher. And since they are more personal than a regular test, your students will likely respond to them with less anxiety than traditional quizzes.
English vocabulary changes in highly irregular ways--sing, sang, sung, for example. Giving quizzes isn't enough to teach these irregularities effectively. Incorporate your vocabulary teaching into other activities in the classroom. Don't employ activities that are focused strictly on one thing, like silently filling out a sample a job application in a workbook. Instead, reinforce vocabulary by having students talk in English about the jobs they have or the work they want to do. This gives everyone a chance to learn and you a chance to correct them. Also, set a theme based on vocabulary for each week and tailor your exercises, quizzes, readings and conversation time to that theme. Aim the activities less toward reading and understanding and more at getting students to use the language. Don't forget to reinforce the vocabulary over time, too. A few weeks or a month after you've taught vocabulary on a certain theme, go back to that theme for a few days: first, remind the students of the words, making certain they can read and understand them, and second, give assignments that force students to use those words again so that the vocabulary sticks in their minds.