How to Remember English Vocabulary – A Fun and Proven Method That Works

Sticky Words! – The Surprisingly Fun Way to Make English Vocabulary Stick for Good.

Do you ever feel like new English words go in one ear and out the other? You're not alone. Memorising vocabulary can feel like trying to catch fog—until you find a method that sticks.

As an English teacher, I’ve tried dozens of techniques with students over the years, but one creative strategy always rises to the top: The Story Method.

📚 What’s the Story Method when learning Vocabulary?

It’s simple and powerful.

You take a new word and build a mini story around it. The sillier, more personal, or emotional, the better. Why? Because our brains love stories. They create connections, trigger emotion, and help information travel into long-term memory.

✨ Here’s how it works:

Let’s take the word "meticulous" (meaning: very careful and precise).

Instead of just repeating it 10 times or writing a definition, do this:

🖋 Create a sentence or story: "Maggie was so meticulous that she ironed her socks and alphabetised her teabags."

🧠 Add a mental image: Picture Maggie in a spotless kitchen, polishing her teaspoons with laser focus.

🎭 Bonus: Act it out, draw it, or teach it to someone else.

Suddenly, "meticulous" becomes a character you remember, not just a word.

---

💡 Why it works:

✔ Activates imagination ✔ Engages multiple parts of the brain ✔ Adds emotional or humorous memory hooks ✔ Works for kids and adults ✔ Builds confidence in using words naturally

🚀 Try it today:

Next time you learn a word, don’t just memorize it, animate it. Tell a mini story. Make it weird. Make it yours.

You’ll be surprised how quickly your vocabulary grows and Sticks.

---

Ready to Take Your English to the Next Level?

If you enjoyed this post and want to boost your English skills with the help of experienced, friendly native teachers, we’d love to work with you! Whether you're looking to speak more confidently, expand your vocabulary, or just have fun while learning, our online lessons are tailored to fit you.

🌱 Learn from anywhere, 🌱 choose your schedule, and 🌱 start seeing results.

Book a free trial lesson today and see how easy and enjoyable learning English can be!

Claim a Free Lesson