Word Bag
This is to get your students to write down new words they hear in class.
- Divide students into groups of about 5 and give each group a number (e.g. 1-6).
- At the beginning of each class give each group a card on which they write the number of their group and the new vocabulary word (s) they hear in class.
- At the end of each class they put their cards into the "word bag" and every week the teacher checks whether they still know those words and definitions, and which group has the most cards.
In the end there are two winners: the group that has the most cards, and the one that knows more words and definitions.
Additional ideas:
- The “bag” itself should be special…either a cloth bag or a plastic box will work
- Student groups may be rewarded if they win for the week . Suggestions might be to have a chart where the winning group receives a star for the week.
- The winning group might be allowed to line up first for the next week.
- The winning group might be allowed to decorate the bag or the box with one decoration.
- Whatever works with your group could be used for a reward…or simply saying, “Great job, group 6” would provide instant feedback.
References
Lewkowicz, N. K. (1994). The bag game: an activity to heighten phonemic awareness. The Reading Teacher, 47(Mar.), 508-509.