Vocabulary Instruction

"Vocabulary Lessons," by Blachowicz and Fisher was an engrossing, relishable read...I just had to throw in a few vocabulary words for fun.  I couldn't help myself.  I was eager to read an article on vocabulary because I adore words.  I recently downloaded the "Word of the Day" app and eagerly access this app to view the new word each morning.  I attempt to use the word at some point throughout the day in a sentence. This is sometimes a forced task.  However, I do not mind because I find words thrilling.  An extensive vocabulary allows one to understand more deeply and to express oneself more accurately.

The brief article by Blachowicz and Fisher offered some advice on vocabulary instruction.  The authors note the significant relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension and reading ability.  Students must have a wide oral vocabulary in order to comprehend and successfully decipher text.  

One suggestion offered by the authors includes, "developing word awareness and love of words through word play."  Implementing word games into the classroom can result in increased motivation and appreciation in students.  Games as well as creative activities such as the one pictured below can help develop student vocabularies.  

Thank goodness for paint samples!

Besides word walls, crossword puzzles, and the activity pictured above, what are some other games or activities that make use of "word play?"

In any given classroom, there will be students from literacy-rich environments and from low-literacy environments.  There will also be students whose literacy exposure will fall in between the two extremes.  How does the instructor appropriately challenge each student in vocabulary instruction?