The Week Ending October 14th: Quick and Easy Match-Up Games

If you have read any of my posts, you know that I like games and activities that are quick and easy--and inexpensive. This activity is a variation on an old favorite--and it meets all of those requirements...


For our vocabulary study this week, I wrote each word on one half of a paper plate and the definition on the other half.  I made sure the "half-plates" were well-shuffled and then passed them out face-down.

I asked the students to guess how long it would take for each plate to find its partner.  After settling on a reasonable time (a bit inflated, mind you), I set the timer.  The goal is for everyone to find their match before the time runs out.  This encourages teamwork instead of competition.  By agreeing that those who are finished can help the "unmatched" find their partners, there is more involvement throughout the game--and more exposure to the words.

Once everyone has found their match, we stop the timer.  By challenging them to beat that time, you can usually squeeze in a few more rounds of practice.  I am always amazed when they clamor, "Can we play again?  Just one more tiiiimmmmeee?"

I often have students in my classroom who are not able to participate fully in the core curriculum, but are a part of our classroom and need a way to participate.  For these students, I make a notch in the plate so they are looking for a "puzzle piece" match instead of a content match.  With this support, they can participate with their peers. For those with more significant struggles, I may also outline the plate middle in a color.  Yellow works best because it is not as obvious to the student who has the other side of the plate and is looking for a content match.

There are a hundred (or more!) adaptations:  antonyms/synonyms, math facts, even my beloved algebra!

Don't you have some aging paper plates in the back of your cupboard?  A quick activity for Monday may be easily within your reach!

Have a great weekend!  Head on back to the party at Clutter-Free Classroom !