How to Play a Categories Game for Vocabulary Study

Students can learn vocabulary with a categories game.

When students learn vocabulary words by rote they don't retain as much knowledge as they do when they learn by practicing using these same words. A category game is an effective technique for students to get the practice they need while they are learning the new vocabulary words.

Things You'll Need

• Timer
• Modified alphabet tiles

Instructions

1. Compile a list of five to 10 vocabulary words that students have been learning to make up categories. For example, if the first word on your list is "cringe," the category could be '"Things that makes you cringe." The category needs to be simple enough that students will quickly be able to think of answers that fit into it within a time limit. Continue going down the list until you have made up a flexible category for each vocabulary word.

2. Make modified alphabet tiles. You can make from 1-inch squares of cardstock. You will need one for each letter of the alphabet except Q, U, V, X, Y and Z.

3. Write your categories on the board (or project them) so they they are visible to all students.

4. Separate students into teams of four to five players each and appoint a team leader for each group.

5. Give each group a list of the student-friendly definitions for the vocabulary words, plus paper and pencils.

6. Review each vocabulary word and each category, giving examples of the kinds of words or items that would fit into each.

7. Explain the rules of the game. Tell the students you will draw a letter from the pile and they will write down as many words as they can think of for each category that starts with that letter. Let them know they only have a certain amount of time and should try to provide at least one answer for each category. Decide if you want to allow 1, 2 or 3 minutes. When starting out, the longer time works better. Groups that give unique answers get the point. If one group gives the same answer as another for a certain category, they don't get the point. Consider allowing multi-word answers and awarding a point for each word that starts with the designated letter. Another rule to consider is to not allow people's names. The teacher has the final say on whether or not an answer is allowed.

8. Assign a letter and set the timer for a few minutes, to give the teams a feel for writing answers under a time limit. This is practice and won't count towards the game.

9. Draw a letter and set the timer for the assigned time. This is the first of three actual rounds of play. After time is called, each group takes turns going through the answers for the various categories, one by one. Keep a tally of each group's points on the board in front of the room. Draw another letter for Round 2 and repeat the process. The do the same for Round 3. After Round 3, each group tallies its own points. The group with the highest score wins.

Tips & Warnings

• After they have played this game several times, you can allow the students to make up the categories.

• This game can be played for more than three rounds if fewer categories are used. Any more than three rounds with 10 categories is usually too time-consuming for a class period.

• This game is meant to be a fun learning activity. Do not give a grade for the answers a group or a particular student gives while playing this game.