The Best English Vocabulary Exercises for ESL Learners

English vocabulary exercises are exercises for your brain and mind, rather than your typical running and jumping physical exercises, and are fun ways for kids to learn and use new words. They can be games, songs, or quick vocabulary practice activities. The goal is to build vocabulary kids can actually use.

Kids have passive vocabulary (words they understand) and active vocabulary (words they can use). I see this a lot in my class, and it’s amazing how a child’s confidence changes once they really understand a word instead of just memorizing it with a picture. 

For example, a child might recognize “hungry” in a cartoon but only start saying it after a fun vocabulary activity like acting out a story or talking about snack time. This is how children learn how to exercise vocabulary step by step.

Vocabulary exercises help children learn English faster because they turn practice into something fun! Repeating words through games, songs, or activities makes it easier for kids to remember them. Simple practice activities and vocabulary-building exercises also help children feel confident using new words at school, at home, or during play.

These exercises encourage natural learning by adding English to daily routines. Using vocabulary worksheets or a few minutes of vocabulary practice each day can also support homework, reading, and overall ESL progress. 

With all this in mind, it’s important to remember that learning is not a race. Kids will learn at their own pace, but may be faster when lessons and practices are designed just for them. 

To test your own child’s learning style, try a free trial lesson with Novakid!

When kids are just starting to learn English, simple English vocabulary exercises work best. Beginner learners grow through repetition, play, and short routines that focus on vocabulary-building activities instead of memorizing lists. Parents often ask things like, “How to learn 10 vocabulary words daily?” and the answer is usually small, consistent activities that make learning feel natural and stress-free, such as: 

• Word and picture matching: match words with pictures to help kids connect meaning to real-life objects. Great for early building and visual learners.
• Flashcards with everyday topics: use flashcards with colors, animals, food, and routines. Short vocabulary practice with familiar topics helps kids remember a lot faster.
• Labeling objects around the house: put small labels on items like the door, table, or fridge. Seeing words on a daily basis in a place they are comfortable in helps them learn without pressure.
• Fill in the blank sentences: use sentences like “I see a ___” or “This is a ___.” These beginner vocabulary worksheets help children practice using words in context.
• Repeat after me practice: parents say a word, and then kids repeat it out loud. This builds confidence and helps them move from understanding words to actually using them.

Vocabulary Exercises for Kids at an Intermediate ESL Level

As children grow more confident, they are ready for activities that go beyond single words and focus on real communication. This stage is great for learning vocabulary for intermediate English learners, where they begin using longer sentences, understanding meaning more deeply, and asking their own questions. 

Here are some more advanced examples: 

• Create sentences with new words: ask kids to write or say short sentences using new vocabulary. This helps them practice using words instead of only memorizing.
• Act out role-play situations: practice real-life scenes like shopping, school, or ordering food. Each vocabulary activity builds speaking confidence and helps kids use English in real conversations.
• Read stories and highlight new words: choose short reading passages and ask kids to find and discuss new words. This supports reading skills and overall growth.
• Practice synonyms and opposites: use pictures or simple charts to compare words like big and small or happy and sad. These activities strengthen understanding and help kids improve their vocabulary.
• Play category games: sort words into groups like food, animals, or emotions. This type of exercise helps children see connections between words and remember them more easily.

Fun Vocabulary Activities Parents Can Do at Home

It’s important to remember that learning doesn’t always have to involve school or feel like a lesson. Games and daily routines can turn everyday moments into fun practice activities that support speaking, listening, and confidence. These ideas are easy to follow. Take a look below: 

• Word of the day: write one new word each day and use it in sentences together. This is a simple way to add daily vocabulary practice without pressure.
• Family conversation challenges during meals: pick a few words to better your vocabulary and challenge everyone to use them during dinner. It keeps practice fun!
• Watch cartoons and write new words: ask kids to listen for new words and write them down after the video. This helps children connect words with real conversations.
• Scavenger hunts around the house: give kids a list of items or words to find around the home. This playful vocabulary exercise keeps kids moving while learning.
• Draw pictures to represent new words: let kids draw what new words mean to them. Creative activities make learning memorable and help visual learners understand vocabulary better.

Tips for Parents Supporting ESL Vocabulary Practice

Believe it or not, parents also play a role in helping kids grow their English skills, and the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Many families ask me, “How can I practice my English vocabulary at home?” and the answer is usually simple: daily habits, patience, and lots of encouragement! When learning feels fun and relaxed, children are more open to trying new words. Here are some simple ways parents can help: 

• Keep practice short and consistent: aim for about 10 to 15 minutes a day. Small routines help kids stay focused without feeling overwhelmed with too much at once.
• Focus on useful words: choose words children hear often at home, school, or during play. Real-life language makes it easier to remember.
• Use praise and encouragement: celebrate effort, not just correct answers. Confidence grows when kids feel safe trying new words and making mistakes.
• Practice through play: games and conversations are more effective than asking kids to memorize 20 vocabulary words at once. Learning should feel natural and fun.
• Create a relaxed space: use a small area at home, like a board or “words in lounge” wall, where kids can see and review vocabulary daily without pressure.

If you are looking for extra support, structured lessons, and teachers who make learning fun, Novakid ESL classes are designed especially for kids! Lessons focus on real communication, confidence, and vocabulary building. It can be a great way to continue practicing English beyond home activities while keeping children motivated and excited to learn.