This exclamations game goes great with Comics and Persuasive Writing.
Common Core State Standards
It can also address the following Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.1, L.K.1.E, L.K.1.F, L.K.2, L.K.2.A, L.K.2.B, L.1.1, L.1.1.D, L.1.1.G, L.1.1.H, L.1.1.I, L.1.1.J, L.1.2, L.1.2.B, L.1.2.D, L.2.1, L.2.1.B, L.2.1.D, L.2.1.F, L.2.2, L.2.2.C, L.3.1, L.3.1.I, L.3.2, L.3.2.F, L.4.1, L.4.1.E, L.4.1.F, L.4.1.G, L.4.2, L.4.2.A, L.5.1, L.5.2, RF.K.1.C, RF.1.1.A
It covers a lot and is fun for the kids!!
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Magnetic Spinner
You’ll need one magnetic spinner*.
(If you haven’t read my full post on the winner spinner you won’t want to miss it! It gives you a long list of game ideas that are so easy to run and super fun for the kids. Check out the full post here.)
Students spin a number between 4-11. Then they have to write an exclamation using that many words in their sentence! The exclamation can be about anything. They love it!
Setting Up the Game
First, draw one circle on the white board, chalk board (or smart board). Then, divide the circle into 8 sections and write the numbers 4-11.
(If you’re only working with younger children, I suggest dividing the circle into 4 sections and writing the numbers 3-6).
The numbers represent the number of words the students must use in their exclamation sentence.
Smaller Groups
For smaller groups (up to 8) I divide the board into 4 sections. A pair is assigned to each section.
Larger Groups
For larger groups, or if you don’t have a large whiteboard, divide the group into pairs. Give each pair a small white board, dry erase marker and a sock to serve as an eraser. You can purchase a class pack on Amazon*.
NOW TO PLAY!
One student spins. Then, one partner in each pair takes a turn writing an exclamation sentence that uses the number of words that is spun. The exclamation can be normal or super silly!
Earning Points
In order to earn a point, the sentence has to have a capital letter, spacing, correct spelling and an exclamation point at the end.
Once students have completed their sentence, they don’t say anything. They simply hold up their white board.
Thumbs Up!
Look at the exclamation. If there is one mistake, hold up 1 finger, 2 mistakes, 2 fingers, 3 mistakes, 3 fingers, 4 mistakes, 4 fingers. When there are no mistakes, give the student a thumbs up so they can tally a point.
Students who have a mistake continue to correct the sentence until you give them a thumbs up.
Writers who get a thumbs up right away can keep writing new exclamations, earning more points, until each camper has finished their one sentence.
Lastly, once each pair has correctly written the sentence, then we move onto the next turn. We continue play until each pair has had a chance to spin or the time allotted runs out!
Here are the instructions for you to print out and use.
Other Games to Play
We played this exclamations game after writing the following prompts:
A Popping President-A Fictional News Article
