Roll the Dice for Vocabulary Development
Rationale and a fun game
As teachers, we know that vocabulary development is foundational for content area learning and language development. All subject areas have specific vocabulary that is key for understanding the concepts students will need. Explicitly teaching vocabulary supports Multilingual Learners in accessing academic language and discourse and facilitates their comprehension of increasingly complex texts.
We also know that vocabulary learning can be quite dull.
The Dice Roll Vocabulary Game is a lively, interactive activity that can promote interaction and build vocabulary.
Here's how to play:
Materials:
A six-sided dice (tip: dollar store usually has them)
A list of 7-8 key vocabulary words that connect with standard or course topic
A handout with the 6 prompts corresponding to the dice numbers
Preparation:
Create a Vocabulary List: Choose vocabulary words based on your class’s current learning goals.
Assign Tasks to Dice Numbers: For each number on the dice (1-6), assign a different vocabulary-related task. For example:
1: Define the word.
2: Use the word in a sentence.
3: Give a synonym or antonym for the word.
4: Act out the word (charades style).
5: Draw a picture representing the word.
6: Give an example of when or where you might use the word.
*Hand out a task card (such as this) to each group
How to Play:
Divide the Class into Small Groups: This can be played in pairs or small groups. Make sure to think about how you are grouping the students in relation to language level, languages in common, and ability.
Select a Word: Show one of the vocabulary words on the projector.
Roll the Dice: Each player rolls the dice and performs the corresponding task. It’s great when the players each get a different number so students can understand the word more deeply.
Repeat: Display the next word, and repeat as explained before.
This game is adaptable to all age groups and proficiency levels, making it a versatile tool for expanding vocabulary. Students learn while having a lot of fun!
Have you tried this?
Any variations?
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