Essential Vocabulary Games
Playful application of terms taps into the affective domain, thereby reinforcing retention by connecting the term or concept with positive emotions. What is the Question? This game is like Jeopardy. Words within categories are given point values. Students must come up with a question that suggests a coherent understanding of the concept or term. Template
Vocabulary Charades Charades can be played either of two ways: (1) Students may demonstrate, using their arms and legs, a word that the teacher calls out, or (2) Team members may try to communicate terms or phrases non-verbally to each other . Name That Category This game is similar to The $100,000 Pyramid. Names of categories are placed on a game board. The clue-giver names as many terms as he or she can until his or her teammates guess the category. Then the clue-giver proceeds to the next category. Teams may have a time limit or the first team to complete the pyramid wins Template
Draw Me Like the game Pictionary, one teammate draws picture clues so their teammates can guess the term. Talk a Mile a Minute The team's designated "talker" tries to describe each word in a list without using the word or the category title. Teammates try to state each word described. Sample * Activities have been summarized with permission from Building Academic Vocabulary Teacher's Manual, Marzano and Pickering.