Watermelon.wordsThis words game is a classic. It’s SO easy to play and my campers love it. All you need is a piece of paper and something to write with.
Common Core State Standards
Note: This game can address the following Common Core State Standards: CCSS.ELA.LITERACY.L.1.2.D,L.3.2.F, RF.K.3.C, RF.1.3.G, RF.2.3.F and RF.3.3.D
SETTING UP THE GAME
- Choose a LONG word or topic that relates with whatever your students are learning. Here are some ideas:
THANKSGIVING, WATERMELON, ROLLER COASTER, NORTH AMERICA
2. Have the students write the word in capital letters at the top of a clean piece of paper.
3. Explain to the students that they are going to use the letters in the word to write shorter words.
4. It’s important to clarify to the students that they can only use the number of letters available.
For example, in the word THANKSGIVING there is only one K. Students can only use one K in any given word that they write.
5. Decide how much time you want the students to have. Set the timer.
NOW TO PLAY!
6. Students write as many words as they can in the allotted time.
Younger or Struggling Writers
For younger or struggling writers, suggest that they first write words that have 2 letters. After some time, encourage them to write words that have 3 letters and so on.
In general, this is a great strategy for trying to write all the words possible!
Sample Words to Use
Remember, this game can be played with any word.
Here are some ideas:
THANKSGIVING after writing the Thanksgiving Turkey-A to Z poems.
WATERMELON after writing a Watermelon Descriptive List.
PERSONIFICATION after writing Calendar Page-Personification
ONOMATOPOEIA after writing Onomatopoeias!
KITCHEN TABLE after writing My House During Quarantine
Use whatever word fits your theme!
See how many high frequency words you and your students can make!
