Using your computer, make 3-inch by 5-inch cards. On one card, write the vocabulary word. On the second card, write the definition of the word. Make one set for each vocabulary word. Using sets with 10 to 12 vocabulary words, mix the cards so the matches are not together. Place the cards upside down in an even number of rows. The first child will turn over the first card and read it; then he will turn over the second card and read it. If the cards match, the child keeps the cards and goes again. If he is wrong, he turns the cards back over and the next child takes her turn.
Have students divide the number of vocabulary words by four. Give each child enough pages to make a booklet with four words on each sheet of paper. Give each student a piece of construction paper for a cover. Fold the pages in half so the pages are 5 1/4-inches by 8-inches. Staple the pages in the center. Have the students print a vocabulary word across the top of each page. Students will then define the words by drawing a picture of the word's meaning. Words are only added when a picture cannot clearly define the word.
Make Bingo cards with a five by five grid. Write a vocabulary word in each of the squares. Make sure that each card has the words in a different order. Give each child one card and markers. Markers can be cut paper squares, buttons, or any other flat item that is not larger than a penny. Make cards that contain the words definitions. Read the definitions out loud. Students will search the cards for the vocabulary term being described. If the word is on a card, the student will cover it with a marker. When a child gets five in a row or fills in all the squares on the card, he says, "Bingo."
Select five categories for the vocabulary words. The categories will be your main quiz sections. For each category, choose five words that vary in difficulty. Order from the easiest word to the hardest word. In descending order, the words will be worth, 100 points, 200 points, 300 points, 400 points and 500 points. Write the words on an index card. Write the definition for the word on the back. Tape the cards to the board, in descending order, with the definitions showing. The students will take turns choosing a definition and trying to define it. If the student is right, she gets the points. Once you finish, tape the words to the board and have students guess the definitions.
Put students into groups of two or three and give each group three or four related vocabulary words. Instruct students to create a catchy song about the vocabulary terms that defines what each word means. Toward the end of the period, or the next day, have groups perform their songs for the class. Video the students' performance and replay the video for the class later.