Colour Word Wheel Vocabulary Builder – 2026 Literacy Resource

Build ambitious vocabulary skills with this visually engaging Colour Word Wheel activity, fully aligned to the new 2026 AQA exam expectations.

Students first colour each triangle the correct shade using the provided key:
Red, Black, Yellow, Purple, Blue, Green, Pink, Orange

Then, learners use a thesaurus to generate powerful synonyms, placing their new words on the wheel with the most ambitious vocabulary positioned closest to the centre. This transforms word learning into a structured but motivating competition-style task that supports improved writing outcomes.

colour-word-wheel

Skills Developed

Vocabulary selection using a thesaurus

Ranking word ambition and precision of choice

Explaining word connotations and impact

Independent literacy confidence

Stretching vocabulary beyond everyday language

Supporting the writing emphasis of the new 2026 AQA framework

What Teachers Receive (PowerPoint resource)

Colour wheel template divided into triangles

Clear colour key and task instructions

Activity guidance for vocabulary generation and placement

Easily adaptable slides for starters, intervention sessions, homework or display work

Designed for minimal preparation and high engagement

Classroom Uses

English lesson starter or discussion hook

Vocabulary competition or consolidation activity

Curriculum-wide literacy intervention task

Independent or homework learning activity

Creation of vocabulary-rich displays

Writing preparation for the reformed 2026 Paper 1 and 2 assessments

Suitable For

Secondary English (KS3–KS5)

Literacy intervention groups

EAL and SEN vocabulary development

College and adult learners

Vocabulary building across subjects

Why This Resource Works

Visual format increases engagement

Competitive structure motivates learners

Low-prep and classroom-ready

Encourages ambitious, exam-level vocabulary

Clear link between quote, word choice, meaning and impact

Supports the new writing demands of the 2026 exam