by Alan Haskvitz

An enormous number of web sites deal with building vocabulary, but many of them sell a product. Thus it takes a while to find good free sites, to harvest some fresh ideas, and to find lessons for students that need extra practice or enrichment.  Here are the best I have found -- all free.

Beginnings

Phonics and Teaching Reading

Renew Your Read Across America Resources

Strategies for motivating young readers

Word Surfing
Before you start, you might want to read this interesting article on types of vocabulary-learning strategies.

Vocabulary Building Sites

Academic Vocabulary Games
A collection of games and activities from Tennessee

Building a Better Vocabulary
Includes root word tables and interactive quizzes

English Vocabulary Builder
Large and varied link site on About.com, which means there are a great many ads. However, the number of links is terrific.

English-Zone.Com Vocabulary Zone
Large link site, word lists a-plenty, but some sections aren’t for younger students. Check it out before using each section.

Funbrain What’s the Word?
Very basic interactive games

An Illustrated Vocabulary
Have your students make their own.

Kankakee School District Word Wall Lists

Language Arts Mini-lessons (K-5)

The Lex Files
Greek and Latin root words

The Longman Vocabulary Website
I am a fan of Longman, and here are some interactive, short lessons for advanced students. 

Merriam-Webster Word of the Day

Merriam-Webster’s Word Central
Interesting build-your-own dictionary idea and games

Reach Every Child Literacy

Recommended English Study Websites
This listing from the United Nations provides an eclectic selection with an array of links for advanced students.

SAT Vocabulary Builder
Site uses words and flash cards -- very unique.

Spelling and Vocabulary Plans
Several small lessons about spelling and vocabulary

Spelling Lessons, Dolch Site Words

Teachers:  Reading: Vocabulary
Tools, general information and strategies

Vocabulary
Root words, puzzles and games

Vocabulary @Web English Teacher

Vocabulary Builder (Beta)
This interesting interactive site includes reading as well as vocabulary, but for more advanced students.

The Word Detective
For teachers and older students, very interesting and fun information. I love the name-that-product section.

More Vocabulary Builders

These sites provide ways for a teacher to provide lessons to accommodate a variety of reading levels easily. They are especially valuable to ESL students and slower learners who need additional practice outside the realm of the textbook. The large link sites are very useful.

Everyday Vocabulary Anagrams
Lots of them

Free Technology for Teachers
Use the Internet to help with vocabulary.

Get ESL and ELL Help

Help Your Slow Learning Child

Illustrated Vocabulary
For English, French, Dutch and Danish words

Large Collections of Language Arts Lesson Plans

Learning Vocabulary Fun

Quizlet
Try self-made cards for online vocabulary building. It takes a while to master, but allows individualized lessons and provides hints.

Reading Units
Find reading novel studies on more than 20 books.  Check the list.  This is a great site for better readers and helps them polish their skills without a great deal of teacher time.

Spelling and Vocabulary Plans
Try these teacher-designed lessons -- basic, but a good variety.

Try Free Online Downloadable Books

Using Podcasts to Improve Language

Vocabulary Lesson Plans and Resources
Get several lessons about vocabulary games -- simple and wide range of quality.

Web English Teacher
Large general link site for all areas of English teaching