A print-rich environment around the classroom encourages the third grade students to explore words and expand vocabulary. Include text on bulletin boards and classroom displays. A vocabulary bulletin board with new words added at particular intervals is a valuable use of the space. Third grade students are old enough to use reference books like the thesaurus and dictionary for vocabulary words, so keep several copies in the classroom.
Games put an appealing twist to vocabulary practice. Most kids would rather play a game than do a vocabulary worksheet. Since the game is more appealing, the child is more likely to apply himself more. For a quick game when you have spare time, write two columns of vocabulary words on the board and divide the class into two teams. One player from each team approaches the board. The players take turns reading the top word on their team's list. They must also give the definition of the word or use it in a sentence. If correct, the word is erased. If incorrect, the child goes to the back of the line. The next two players go to the board and repeat. The first team to get all of the words erased wins.
A basketball game is another way to learn vocabulary words. One player at a time identifies a word on a card and says what it means. This earns the team one point. She then gets a chance to shoot a basket, either on a small over-the-door hoop or with a piece of paper into the trash can. If she makes the shot she earns an extra point for the team.
Once the kids have a basic understanding of the current vocabulary words, give them plenty of chances to use them. Read books that use the words when possible. Have the kids write stories that include a certain number of the vocabulary words you are currently using. Word maps also help them practice the words and gain a better understanding of the meaning. The child writes the word in the middle of the paper. He branches off from the middle word to write the definition, synonyms and antonyms. You can also have the kids draw a picture and use the word in a sentence to check for understanding.
Vocabulary practice outside of the classroom solidifies a child's understanding even further. Send home lists of the current vocabulary words so parents know what their children are studying. Encourage the parents to use the vocabulary words in regular conversation when possible. Parents can also expand their child's vocabulary by talking about experiences as they go through them. Encourage parents to use normal terminology even if they are words their children don't already know. This opens up the opportunity to explain the meaning of the word and expand the child's vocabulary.