Vocabulary Games: Spelling Chain

This activity is a good lead-in to activate their vocabulary banks and simultaneously, learning from peers. The goal of the game is to brainstorm as many words as they can without teachers' support.

Procedure: there are many ways to conduct this activity. An example could be:

1. Teacher explains to students: I will provide you with a word (the word can be from the previous lesson, or a keyword for the upcoming lesson, or a draw from the word wall in the class, etc.) and you will need to think of another word that begins with the last letter my word. For example, if the word is "word", then the next word will have to start with "d".
2. Students take turns to say and spell the words they can think of, and teacher writes them down. Teacher should also remind students that no word can be repeated, so all students need to pay attention.

Differentiation

Entering/Emerging (Beginners): Instead of each student thinking of a word, teacher can make pairs or small groups in case of "embarrassing moment" (kids staring at you and don't know what to say).

Students can copy down the chain each time they play.

The words can open to any categories.

Transitioning (Intermediate): Encourage students to use the words on the word wall or within the lessons teachers taught. Give bonus points or other positive reinforcement.

Expanding and up (Advanced): Give limit to the words they use in order to make the game more challenging. For example, the words can only be adjectives (hardworking - generous - selfish - happy - ...). Also, teachers can set time limit for the game. If a student cannot think of a word in 5 seconds, he/she will get "punishment" (sing an English song or something).