There’s a monster lurking in the dark corners of your English language arts curriculum. Hiding in the shadows between grammar and literature, the creature waits for the perfect moment to strike. Its name? Vocabulary.

But teaching vocabulary doesn’t have to be scary! Conquer your fears and boost your current curriculum with these vocabulary lesson plans, posters, puzzles, and more, all available for free.

Lesson Plans

Vocabulary in Context: Inside the World of Wizards

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

With this free lesson plan, harness the magical world of the Harry Potter series to build your students’ understanding of context clues, word roots, and author’s purpose.

Vocabulary in Context: Wilderness Survival

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Inspired by the workbook of the same name, this free lesson plan introduces ten new vocabulary words and provides several context-based activities designed to help students retain the words they learn.

Merriam-Webster's Vocabulary Activity

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Perfect for a simple warm-up activity, supplemental lesson, or an extra credit assignment, this free lesson plan will introduce your students to 36 new words recently added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

10th Grade Vocabulary Lesson

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Intended for 10th graders, but certainly adaptable for any high school class, this free lesson plan will help students develop the skills needed to understand words in context, build connections to existing vocabulary, and learn about connotative meanings.

Crossword Puzzles

Vocabulary Power Plus Crossword Puzzles

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Does your class use Vocabulary Power Plus? Pair your lessons with these free crossword puzzles based on the 9-12 grade editions. Each lesson in the books has a corresponding crossword puzzle—that’s 84 different puzzles to choose from!

Posters

Common Prefixes and Suffixes Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Perfect for an everyday classroom reference, this printable poster presents more than 40 different Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes that your students will encounter in their studies.

Top 10 Greek Roots Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Chrono, geo, graph, lith: These are just a few of the Greek roots featured on this downloadable poster.

Top 10 Latin Roots Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Did you know that nearly all of our English law and logic words come from Latin? This free poster covers 10 of the most common Latin roots.

Sound off! Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Sound the alarm! Decorate your classroom with this word root poster based on Growing Your Vocabulary: Level 4.

Power Trip! Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Help your students recall several “powerful” Latin and Greek roots with this poster inspired by Growing Your Vocabulary: Level 5.

Laws and Justice Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Three “lawful” word roots are featured on this classroom poster based on Growing Your Vocabulary: Level 6.

Close Encounters With Vocabulary Poster

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Spark intrigue with this downloadable poster showcasing some of the vocabulary words your students will encounter within the pages of Vocabulary in Context: Mysteries, Curiosities & Wonders.

eBook

Guide to Teaching: Vocabulary eBook

Exclusively at the English Teacher's Free Library

Not sure how to approach vocabulary instruction? This helpful guide provides a look into the variety of indirect and explicit vocabulary teaching techniques. Plus, get the facts on Prestwick House’s vocabulary resources, including Vocabulary Power Plus, Vocabulary From Latin and Greek Roots, and Vocabulary for the College Bound.