Vocabulary Development Game

In this game you want the students to think and at the same time learn. This game can also be used for ELLs and students in the classroom with special needs. This game can be modified in many different ways. Inside of the play cups different types of words can be added depending on the unit of study or the level of progress. The game “Dynamite” can most definitely be played outside of school. The supplies are readily available and can be made to fit any type of lesson. This game can be used to build vocabulary and when used outside of the classroom, students or parents are able to pick and choose different words based off of the unit they are working on in class, or any area of study. This game will and can be used for many different kinds of vocabulary development, for example, teaching synonyms or antonyms, reverse definitions that allow students to use their own words helping to increase the connections between printed word and life. Playing the game Dynamite also works to provide classroom teachers with a type of informal assessment, circulating the room while the game is being played listening for answers and gauging the amount of collected sticks because of correct answers.
The highly engaging game would be called “Dynamite!”. It is a game that can last for as long as needed, accommodating almost any content area or skill! The game is quick to prepare and cost almost nothing to make! Before the game begins teacher/ parent must pick an area to teach or review. In the area of vocabulary development here are a few areas this game can focus on but does not have to be limited to:

* Phonemes * Letter Identification * Blends * Phonics * short vowel * long vowel * Punctuation * Sight Words * Parts of Speech * Rhyming * Word Families * Unit Vocabulary * Definitions * Synonym/Antonym * Nonfiction Text Features * Genre Definitions * Story Elements * Prefix/Suffix

To play the game:

All Popsicle sticks are placed in the games container face down, this way students are unable to see what is written on them. Here's how to play:

* First player/student picks a popsicle stick. * Student must correctly respond based off of what is printed or attached to the popsicle stick.
- If their answer is correct (based off of their peers) they keep the popsicle stick. If an incorrect answer is given, the stick is placed back in the cup. * Each student in the group receives a turn, continue around the circle, selecting a popsicle stick and reading or answering their selected question.

* Any student who pulls a Dynamite! Stick must place all of the popsicle sticks they have accumulate back into the cup, leaving them with zero

* This game will continue until cleanup is called because eventually someone. Will pull a “Dynamite” and their popsicle sticks will go back into the cup to keep the game going.