The Vocabulary Builder Board Game
INTRODUCTION: This activity is used to enhance vocabulary knowledge and meaning.
Aligned Standards of Learning topics: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 16, 17, 25, 26
PURPOSE: To increase vocabulary knowledge and meaning of SOL verbs.
SUPPLIES/SET UP: The words must first be taught and learned by the students with a
minimum of 80% accuracy to use the board game. A game board must be made
and laminated. All vocabulary words must be printed on paper (use color if
possible) and laminated. A die and colored pieces for the students to make their
place on the board. Have RULES!! Have the students assist with making the
rules of the game, allowing them to have ownership of the rules. Either print the
rules out and have them reviewed and visible during play, or print them directly
on the game board prior to having it laminated.
DIRECTIONS:
1) Review the rules of the game prior to beginning.
2) Have the students pull a piece of paper out of an envelope. Only one of them
has a number on it and that person is first. The others follow in a clockwise
rotation.
3) The vocabulary cards are placed on the game board, face down.
4) The first student rolls the die
5) The teacher picks up the first vocabulary card and shows it to the students.
6) The student who rolled the die must first pronounce the word correctly, if he/she DOES, then he/she must then define the word. If he/she DOES NOT, the teacher pronounces the word correctly and the card is placed on the bottom of the stack. That student then loses his/her turn.
7) If the student is able to pronounce the word correctly and CAN also give the correct definition, then he/she moves his/her marker the appropriate spaces. If the student CANNOT give the definition, he/she can roll and try again.
8) For double or nothing, the student, if he/she pronounces the word correctly AND gives the correct definition, he/she can move twice as many spaces if he/she can use the verb correctly in a sentence. If he/she takes the challenge and does not do it successfully, he/she loses his turn.
9) The player to reach the winner circle first, WINS!!!!!
OUTCOMES: I have had a wonderful response from both students and teachers, with
whom they have used the vocabulary words correctly in class writing samples and
in conversations!! The students have said they have learned from other students.
CAVEATS: If students get words they have not learned well, they may shut down and
blame the teacher for their misfortune. If a certain student never wins or never goes first the student may get frustrated and give up.
RESOURCES: SOL terms, vocabulary from English teachers who teach SOL classes.
EXPAND IT: This game can be used for generalization of math, science, and SS terms.
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