Vocabulary: Strategies for Vocabulary Learning & Retention (A1) - Lesson 1: Using Picture Dictionaries & Visual Aids

Lesson 1: Using Picture Dictionaries & Visual Aids

Strategies for Vocabulary Learning & Retention (A1)

Welcome to a new series on how to learn English better! Sometimes, just reading a new word is not enough to remember¹ it. Our brains love pictures! This lesson will teach you a powerful strategy²: using pictures and visual aids³ to learn and remember new vocabulary⁴.

What is a Picture Dictionary?

A picture dictionary⁵ is a book that shows a picture for each word. Instead of only a text definition, you see the object. This helps your brain make a strong connection between the word and its meaning.

Why Use Pictures to Learn?

• It's faster to understand a picture than a long definition.
• It helps you remember the word for a very long time.
• It's fun! Learning with pictures is more like a game.
• It works for learning any language.

How to Create Your Own Visual Aids

You can make your own picture dictionary very easily. Follow these steps:

1. Get a Notebook: Use a special notebook just for your English vocabulary.
2. Divide the Page: Make two columns. In the left column, write the English word. In the right column, you will put your picture.
3. Find or Draw a Picture: You can...
   • Draw a simple picture. It does not need to be perfect! A quick, simple drawing is great.
   • Cut pictures from old magazines or newspapers.
   • Print pictures from the internet if you have a printer.
4. Review Often: Look at your picture dictionary every day for 5 minutes. Say the English word out loud when you see the picture.

In Conversation

Srey is talking to her teacher about learning new words.

Srey: Teacher, I find it difficult to remember new words like 'elephant' and 'motorcycle'.

Teacher: I understand, Srey. Let me show you a good strategy. Do you have a notebook?

Srey: Yes, my vocabulary notebook.

Teacher: Good. For the word 'elephant', don't just write the word. Draw a small picture of an elephant next to it.

Srey: Oh! So I can see the animal in my mind when I read the word?

Teacher: Exactly! Your brain will connect the word 'elephant' to the image you drew. It's a very powerful way to learn. This is called using a visual aid.

quiz Check Your Understanding

1. Why is using pictures a good way to learn new words?

• a) Because it is slow.
• b) Because it helps your brain remember the meaning.
• c) Because you don't need to write anything.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) Because it helps your brain remember the meaning.

2. What should you do after you draw a picture next to a new word?

• a) Close the book and never look at it again.
• b) Review your notebook often.
• c) Erase the picture.

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) Review your notebook often.

3. A book with words and a picture for each word is called a ______.

• a) story book
• b) picture dictionary
• c) notebook

Click to see the answer

Answer: b) picture dictionary

edit Your Mission

1. Create Your First Entry: Choose three words from a past lesson (like table, cat, or apple). In your notebook, write the word and draw a simple picture next to it.
2. Build Your Dictionary: Your mission for this week is to add five new picture entries to your vocabulary notebook.
3. Share: Show your picture dictionary to a friend or family member. Explain one word to them using your picture.

book Lesson Glossary

1. Remember (verb) - Khmer: ចងចាំ (chângcham) - To keep information in your mind. ↩
2. Strategy (noun) - Khmer: យុទ្ធសាស្ត្រ (yutthsah) - A plan or method for achieving a goal. ↩
3. Visual Aid (noun) - Khmer: ជំនួយ B görsel - A picture, drawing, or object that helps you understand something. ↩
4. Vocabulary (noun) - Khmer: វាក្យសព្ទ (veakysap) - The words of a language. ↩
5. Picture Dictionary (noun) - Khmer: វចនានុក្រមរូបភាព (vochnanoukrom roubpheap) - A dictionary that uses pictures to show the meaning of words. ↩