Wind Spelling

Practice spelling with the power of air! Kids are split up into teams. Teams are given a word. They figure out the spelling. They write each letter of the word on a separate square piece of paper (light weight works best). Then, they get in a line and have to pass each letter of the word (in the correct order) down the line using a straw! The team that creates their word the fastest get a point!

Check out Sophie's World (featured above) for instructions on how to "pass the paper!"

HOT WAD

Practice vocabulary with a twist on hot potato! On scraps of paper write down different objectives for kids to conquer! Then, wad up the scraps to make a ball. Have kids sit in a circle and turn some music on. Kids pass the ball clockwise until the music stops. The one holding the ball has to unwrap a piece of the scrap paper from the ball. The teacher gives the child a word and the player answers. For example, what part of speech is it?! If the player answers correctly he stays in the game.

For younger kids, you can write their sight words on the scrap paper. Kids have to say the word they unwrap!

For more vocab. fun, check out word wheel and roll and...

Note: This game could also be used to practice simple multiplication facts. Write down equations on scrap paper. Kids figure out the product to stay in the game!

3 in a Row: Vocab.

Classic Spelling Tic Tac Toe: Kids choose three activities in a row, to do with their spelling or sight word list throughout one week.

1. Word War aka vocabulary war - explains rules
2. Fraction Words - count up the total number of letters in their word. Then count the vowels and consonants and write a fraction for the vowels and consonants.
3. Word Worth 
4. Word Search - puzzle maker, create a word search and solve it (or have a friend try to find your words)
5. Word Cloud - create a design using your spelling words
6. ABC Order Words - Type words on the computer or write them out in alphabetical order
7. Word Patterns - Write letters of each word in different colors to create various patterns.
8. Scrabble Words (free printable tiles, as well as other nice looking freebies)
9. Flash Words - flashcard maker, also use for word war. Kids could simply write words on index cards if they don't have access to a computer or printer at home.

Balloon Tennis

Balloon Tennis - Glue paper plates on popsicle sticks for a racquet. Kids hit balloons and play tennis!

Synonyms - Two player game - Kids are given a word. They hit the balloon back and forth. Before they hit the balloon they have to call out a synonym for the word. If they can't, their opponent gets a point. 

Sight Words - Write sight words on balloons. Kids whack the balloon and say the sight word. If they have the correct answer, they get a point!

Spelling - Spell out a word and hit the balloon for each letter. Kids can do this solo, with a buddy, or in a group. 

Fractions - Three player game - 2 people hit the balloon and one person keeps track of the score. Kids choose how many chances they get to hit the balloon. Limit kids to a certain number. Otherwise, they'll go on all day, and everyone needs a chance to play! If they miss, they get to continue, but they have to start off from where they stopped.  For example, if they plan to hit the balloon 20 times and they stopped at 6, they start counting at 7. The kid keeping track of the score tallies each time they hit the balloon. As soon as they reach the maximum number they stop (which is hard I know!). As a group, they figure out the fraction. For example, the balloon was kept in play (or smacked) 18/20 times.

Basic Addition - Two Players - Have kids count up their points!

Word Games

Have fun with vocabulary in the classroom!

1. Secret Word: I love Juice Boxes and Crayons' Word Watcher, so I wanted to incorporate it in my classroom for lower elementary! Every Friday, choose a different vocab. word and make it the secret word of the day. Kids have to keep their eyes peeled and their ears open! If they see it somewhere in the classroom (books, posters, signs, writing, etc.) or hear someone say it (in the class or from another class), they quietly fill out a paper strip (below). Before they place their strip in the bag, they give the teacher a heads up, no cheaters! At the end of the day, tally the strips  to see what kid spotted the word the most. 

2. What's the Magic Word: Everyday, I posted a different password for entry allowance into the classroom! The students used their reading and acting skills to come in. They had a blast with this!

Sight Word Spies

Transform into sight word spies! I made this activity up, so kids in my class could have fun with high frequency words.

One child needs a recording sheet. The other needs a list of sight words. The child with the list gives his partner sight words to write down (through the walkie talkie). The other child records them on his sheet. 

Next, they check in with each other. The child with the sight word list corrects his partner's spelling if needed. Then, they switch off for the next round.