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 remember it. Our brains love pictures! This lesson will teach you a powerful strategy: using pictures and visual aids to learn and remember new vocabulary.

Key Vocabulary

• Remember (verb) | ចងចាំ
  To keep information in your mind.
• Strategy (noun) | យុទ្ធសាស្ត្រ
  A plan or method for achieving a goal.
• Visual Aid (noun) | ជំនួយ
  A picture, drawing, or object that helps you understand something.
• Vocabulary (noun) | វាក្យសព្ទ
  The words of a language.
• Picture Dictionary (noun) | វចនានុក្រមរូបភាព
  A dictionary that uses pictures to show the meaning of words.

What is a Picture Dictionary?

A picture dictionary 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: 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.

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.
   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.
   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
   Answer: b) picture dictionary

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.