How Do You Play A Categories Game For Vocabulary Study?
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. 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. 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. Write your categories on the board (or project them) so they they are visible to all students. Separate students into te
