What is a strategy to support vocabulary acquisition for ESL learners?

Connecting new words to students' personal experiences is an effective strategy for supporting vocabulary acquisition in ESL learners. This approach taps into the prior knowledge and contextual understanding that students already possess, making new vocabulary more relevant and memorable. When learners relate new terminology to their own lives, they are more likely to internalize and recall that vocabulary. By anchoring abstract words in concrete experiences, they can construct meaningful associations, which facilitates deeper understanding and retention.

Engaging students in discussions about their own experiences allows them to practice using new vocabulary in context, reinforcing their learning. This method encourages active participation and can help build confidence as learners see the practical applications of the words they are acquiring.