What you will need: Markers and Index cards
Number of players: 2-4
What to do:
- On the plain side of the index card write a phrase that will give a hint as to what the topic is. For example, "Take me out to the ballgame" would be baseball vocabulary. On the lined side of the card list 10 vocabulary words. One student will look at the words and describe them to his partner without using the word itself in any form. Teens usually get creative with this.;
- The student that chooses the topic has the option to give or to receive, meaning, he can give the clues or receive the clues. You can see how both positions provide wonderful language stimuli.
- You will need a minimum of 6 cards (three on the bottom row, two on the second row and one on the top). one of the cards should be labeled with a "?" on top and the lined side should have vocabulary relating to a single topic. This is a mystery card and additional points are awarded if, after an attempt at all of the clues, the individual can identify the category.
- If you are playing with teams of two people each, each team gets a point for each correct answer and an additional 5 points for each category where all ten words are correctly guessed. 10 points are awarded if the mystery category is identified. (This also provides a functional way for students to use math and math language skills).
- If only two people are playing. Play will alternate between the two individuals with the individual that is receiving attaining the score. The same point value applies.
Variations: Add a time limit as students progress. Then decrease the time limit.
- Add the bonus round where only the topic is given to one player and that player must give the other player clues to identify the category, such as "Things that fly"
- You can also use this with your articulation students by using vocabulary words containing the same sound such as "Ho Ho Ho". The vocabulary words for the /s/ phoneme would include: "Santa, snow, sled, sleigh, sing, lights, Christmas, December, snowman, and elves."
