Lesson 3: Matching Words to Pictures
A Fun and Active Way to Learn
Do you like to play games? You can turn learning new English words into a fun game1! This lesson will teach you a very active strategy: matching English words to pictures or real objects. It's like playing a memory game with your vocabulary.
Why Match Words to Pictures?
- It's Active Learning2. Instead of just reading, you are *doing* something. This helps your brain stay focused and interested.
- It Creates Strong Connections. You physically match3 the written word (e.g., 'apple') with the picture of the apple. This builds a stronger memory.
- It's a Self-Test. It’s a great way to check if you really know the word without looking at the answer.
- It's Kinesthetic. Moving cards or objects around uses your body in the learning process, which helps many people remember better.
How to Play the "Matching Game"
You can create this game easily with paper.
- Create Your Cards: You need two types of cards4.
- Word Cards: On small pieces of paper, write one English word on each card (e.g., 'dog', 'cat', 'house').
- Picture Cards: On different pieces of paper, draw a simple picture for each word. Your drawings don't need to be perfect!
- Mix and Match: Mix up all the cards and place them on a table or the floor.
- Play the Game: Pick up a word card (e.g., 'dog'). Now, look at all the picture cards and find the picture of the dog. Place the word card on the picture card.
- Say it Aloud: When you make a match, say the English word out loud: "Dog!" This combines the strategy from our last lesson.
- The Object5 Game: Instead of picture cards, use real objects in your house! Place the word card 'cup' on a real cup. Place the word card 'book' on a real book.
In Conversation
Srey and Bora are practicing their vocabulary together.
Srey: Bora, I made some vocabulary cards. Do you want to play a game?
Bora: A game? Sure! What do we do?
Srey: I have word cards and picture cards. You have to match them.
Bora: Okay! I will start. (Bora picks up a card that says 'moto'). Hmm, 'moto'.
Srey: Now find the picture.
Bora: (Bora finds the picture of a motorcycle). Here it is! I have a match! Moto!
Srey: Great job! Your turn to pick a picture.
Bora: (Picks a picture of a house). This is a house. Where is the word card? Ah, here! Match!
quiz Check Your Understanding
1. Matching words to pictures is a good strategy because...
- a) it is a passive way to learn.
- b) it only uses reading.
- c) it is active and helps you remember.
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) it is active and helps you remember.
2. What are the two types of cards you need for the matching game?
- a) Word cards and number cards
- b) Picture cards and word cards
- c) Sentence cards and picture cards
Click to see the answer
Answer: b) Picture cards and word cards
3. When you successfully match a word and a picture, you should...
- a) say the word quietly to yourself.
- b) write the word again.
- c) say the word out loud.
Click to see the answer
Answer: c) say the word out loud.
edit Your Mission
- Create Your Game: Choose 5 words from the "Objects in the Home" lesson. Create 5 word cards and 5 picture cards.
- Play the Game: Mix your 10 cards. Try to match them as fast as you can. Time yourself!
- The Object Game: Your special mission! Write 5 words on small pieces of paper for objects in your room (e.g., 'bed', 'chair', 'lamp'). Go around your room and place the correct word on each object.
book Lesson Glossary
- Game (noun) - Khmer: ល្បែង (lbêng) - An activity that you do for fun. ↩
- Active Learning (noun phrase) - Khmer: សកម្មភាពសិក្សា (sakammpheap sek-saa) - A way of learning by doing things, not just by listening or reading. ↩
- Match (verb) - Khmer: ផ្គូផ្គង (phkou phkông) - To find two things that are the same or that go together. ↩
- Card (noun) - Khmer: កាត - A small, flat piece of paper or plastic. ↩
- Object (noun) - Khmer: វត្ថុ (vŏət-tho) - A physical thing that you can see or touch. ↩