Write the vocabulary words on the blackboard and have the students stand up. With the students taking turns, the teacher will point to each word with either one or two fingers. If the teacher points to the word with one finger, the student must pronounce the word. If the teacher points to the word with two fingers, the student must remain silent. When a student tries to pronounce a word when two fingers are used, the student must sit down.
This game can be used in smaller classes or by breaking a large class into groups. Give the students a list of new words and place them in a circle. Have the students pass around a large, soft ball. When a student catches the ball, he or she must read the next word on the list. However, the ball cannot be passed to a student either directly to the right or left and must be tossed with one hand. If the ball hits the ground, go back to the beginning of the list and start over. The object is to get through the entire list without the ball hitting the ground.
Divide the students into teams and place a basket five to 10 feet from the groups. Then have students from each group pronounce vocabulary words or provide the meanings to words. When a student pronounces a word correctly or provides the correct definition, they can earn extra points by tossing a soft ball into the basket while standing with their backs to the basket.
Place the students in a line. The student at the back of the line is given a word. That student must write the word using one finger on the back of the student standing in front. All of the students in the line then write the word on the back of the student in front until reaching the end of the line. That final student then says the word. To create competition, divide the students into groups.