From Word List to Word Mastery: Motivating Students to Review
- אפרת בקשי
- Jul 8
- 2 min read
As EFL teachers, we often focus on introducing new vocabulary—but the real challenge is helping students remember and use those words over time. Without consistent review, even the most exciting words slip away. That’s why vocabulary review needs to become a natural part of learning, both in the classroom and at home.
In this post, I’ll share why reviewing vocabulary matters and introduce a creative, low-prep idea that encourages students to take responsibility for their learning in a fun, visual way: the Vocabulary Mandala.
Why Review Matters
Learning a new word once isn’t enough. Research shows that to truly learn vocabulary, students need to encounter and use a word multiple times in different ways. When review becomes a habit, students move words from short-term memory into long-term use.
The goal is not just to recognize the word—but to feel comfortable using it in conversation, writing, and real-life situations.
Vocabulary Mandala: A Visual Way to Track Review
One creative idea that’s worked beautifully in my class is the Vocabulary Mandala.
Here’s how it works:
Each student receives a blank mandala divided into several sections.
Every time they review the new words (in class or at home), they color one section.
Once the mandala is fully colored, they’ve repeated the words enough times—and they receive a small prize or positive note.
The mandala turns review into a personal journey. It gives students a visual representation of their progress, while encouraging consistent, independent learning.
You can display the mandalas on a classroom board or have students keep them in their notebooks. Either way, it adds joy and motivation to repetition.
Encouraging Review at Home
Review doesn’t end when class does! Students can build simple review habits at home, even without fancy tools. Here are some ideas to suggest:
Sticky Note Walls – Write each word on a post-it and stick it in visible places: mirrors, doors, or above their bed.
Teach a Sibling or Parent – Explaining a word to someone else is one of the best ways to remember it.
Word Jar – Write vocabulary on slips of paper. Pick one daily to define, use in a sentence, or act out.
Review Routine – Encourage students to spend 5 minutes a day reviewing words with flashcards, recordings, or their mandala.
Remind your students: Review doesn’t have to be long—it just has to be regular.
Vocabulary review doesn’t have to feel like hard work. With a little creativity and consistency, we can make it rewarding, personal, and even fun. The Vocabulary Mandala is just one way to help students see their efforts and stay motivated.
Try it out, adapt it to your learners, and watch them take pride in their progress—one colored section at a time.
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