The Use Of Games In Teaching Vocabulary In Young Learners - Vocabulary Learning via Classroom Games

Sep 29, 2026

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This paper discusses how using games can improve English vocabulary mastery among young learners. It reviews methods for teaching vocabulary, emphasizing techniques that support visualization, attention to word use, and repeated practice. The approach highlights approaches that avoid translation and rely on direct instruction. Examples include hot potato, memory challenge, last one standing, pictionary, and bingo, showing games as a motivating, communicative way to expand vocabulary.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

1. Introduction

Vocabulary importance in language learning

Challenges of teaching young learners

Role and advantages of games

Examples of classroom vocabulary games

The Use Of Games In Teaching Vocabulary In Young Learners Fairuz Dewi Raihan 1, Natri Aulianingsih2, Lala Destiana Daffa3, Umi Rachmawati4 . 1 Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Indonesia 2 Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Indonesia 3 Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Indonesia 4 Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang, Indonesia [natriauliahmm@gmail.com](natriauliahmm@gmail.com) Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possibilities of improving the English vocabulary mastery for young learners through the use of games. Several approaches and methods can be used to teach English vocabulary to young learners. The method we use to collect information in making this journal is review articles, we use the journal as a reference. One good way to learn vocabulary is to use real objects that children can visualize later. They need to pay attention to learning to use words and repeating them too. The other methodisthe direct method where thereis no translation and the use of the mother tongue is prohibited. The games used by the teacher to teach words to young learners are hot potato game, memory challenge, last one standing, pictionary, bingo. From the application of the game, young learners can quickly and easily increase their English vocabulary. Keywords: vocabulary mastery, games, TEYL. 1. Introduction Mastery of vocabulary in English skills is a necessary part of teaching English as a foreign language. Vocabulary is a significant part of all languages where the learner or students must continuously learn words when the learner or students are also studying grammar (grammar/structure) and also pronunciation (pronunciation) [1] (Allen & Vallete, 1977) . It means that vocabulary is an early stage to be taught before teaching other aspects of language [2] (Subiyati, 1992:18) . Acquiring sufficient vocabulary is necessary for the use of a second language. Without a broad vocabulary, learners or students will not be capable use the grammar (grammar/structure) and language functions they have learned for broad communication. It means that vocabulary mastery is a significant part of learning a second or foreign language. Mastery of vocabulary isan element that supports grammar (grammar/structure) and language function (language function) in addition to the four language skills which include listening, reading, writing, and speaking [3](Rivers, 1983: 123 in Ninan, 1991: 117) . English is introduced to young learners, such as memorization and other comprehension lessons, in accepting a foreign language young learners have difficulties where young learners get bored quickly if taught using old conventional methods and techniques. Teachers are needed to find interesting and suitable ways to teach and motivate young learners. According to [4] (Harmer, 2008), teachers for young learners should spend a lot of time examining and understanding how their students operate and think. Teaching young learners is very difficult compared to teaching teenagers or adults because young learners get distracted very quickly and cannot focus like adults. Children love to have fun and play, so the teacher should choose a teaching method that suits the nature of the children. Games are one method that can be used to avoid boredom in the classroom. They have a special role in every foreign language teaching. The game is an activity that has a role to have fun, with game activities in the classroom it will not be boring anymore. Games will help make it easier to understand new vocabulary in English lessons. Games are very important for young learners because they not only provide fun and relaxation, but also because they encourage students to use their language in creative and communicative ways. In many games, young learners are required to work together to achieve goals and most young learners enjoy

FAQs

What is the main goal of the paper?

To discuss how games can improve young learners’ English vocabulary mastery and support effective vocabulary teaching methods.

Why are games considered suitable for young learners?

Because games make learning enjoyable, reduce boredom, and encourage creative and communicative language use, often through cooperation and interaction.

Which vocabulary games are mentioned in the paper?

Hot potato game, memory challenge, last one standing, pictionary, and bingo are presented as classroom options for teaching vocabulary.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Oliver