Vocabulary Strategies: Review and Games

When reviewing, teachers might consider one of the following activities:

25,000 PyramidBased on the classic game show 25,000 Pyramid, this activity allows students to

review vocabulary words or concepts that have been previously learned in class. First, the teacher chooses six to ten terms to place into slots on a PowerPoint or paper “pyramid”. Then in class, students pair up with a partner to play the game. One student faces the pyramid board, while the other faces away from it. Starting with the lowest dollar amount, the student facing the board gives the other student clues about the bottom words. If the student facing away from the board guesses the word correctly, they receive the points, or dollar amount for that word, and continue on to the next word. If the student is unable to identify the word, he or she can say “pass” and the pair moves on to the next word in the pyramid. When time is up, the pairs add up how many dollars the receiving partner has won. The teacher can then have the partners switch roles and go through the same procedure with a new game board. This game works well as a review activity. It can also be adapted by allowing students to develop their own pyramid boards based on information being learned in class.

BINGOBINGO might also be used as a vocabulary review game. The teacher first

prepares a list of 20 – 25 terms. In class, students choose 16 of the terms and place them in random order on a four-by-four board. The teacher then calls out the definitions, or examples of the words. If the student has the word on his or her board, he or she marks the term. When the students get four terms covered in a row, column, or diagonal pattern, the student calls out BINGO! He or she must give the word and definition back to the teacher in order to win BINGO. This helps the students show their knowledge of the terms, while it also serves as an oral review for the rest of the class. This activity can also be modified by changing the size of the board.

Crossword PuzzleCrossword puzzles are an easy, fun way for students to review vocabulary terms or

concepts. In order for the puzzle to serve as a meaningful review for the students, teachers should use definitions or examples as the clues. If students complete the puzzle without looking at their notes, this helps them to recognize which terms they understand and which ones they may not yet be able to identify. Crossword puzzles can be used in class or as a homework review sheet.

Magic SquaresMagic Squares is another great activity that can be used in class or as a review sheet for homework. On a worksheet, students will match the number of the question (which includes a definition) with the correct answer in the box. To check their answers, the students will add up all of the numbers across a row or down a column. If their answers are correct, all the numbers, across or down, will equal the same sum. There are a few

different “magic square” templates based on the number of terms that are being reviewed.

MemoryMemory game cards can be used for a variety of purposes. Teachers might ask

students to match the terms and the definitions for a quick review. Students can also play a traditional game of memory, where all of the cards are turned face down. Then, two to four players try to match the definitions to the terms. When a player gets a match, he or she removes the cards from the playing area. The player with the most matches in the end wins! The cards might also be used to play Taboo / Password, or to complete a concept sort.

RiddlesThis activity allows the students to use their creativity, think more deeply about

the terms, test their classmate’s knowledge, and incorporates writing into a review activity. Teachers can create riddles for the students to answer or they can allow the students to write their own riddles using the vocabulary terms and concepts being studied in class. If students write their own, teachers should probably model the process first. After a few riddles have been written by each student, they might share their products with the class, or the teacher could collect the vocabulary riddles, compile the best ones, and have the students use them as a review in class or for homework. Teachers might also post riddles around the room in “Room Raider” fashion as a review activity.

PasswordAdapted from the famous television game show, Password is played with groups of

two students competing against one another. One player is given a vocabulary term. That person then gives a one word clue to their teammate. If the teammate is unable to guess the word, the other team follows the same procedure. The process continues until one of the players is able to guess the word. This forces the class to think critically about what one word would represent the vocabulary term. It also helps the teacher understand whether or not students truly understand the words by the clues they give to their teammates.

PictionaryPictionary works well with groups of four to six players. Each group divides into

two teams. Then, one person from each team chooses a vocabulary term to draw. The artist sketches the term, while the other players on the team try to identify the word. If the players guess the word in the time given, they receive one point. Teachers might adapt the game and also require teams to provide the definition or an example of the term to score or in order to receive a bonus point. Teams alternate drawing vocabulary words until all of the terms are gone or until time runs out. The team with the most points wins!

TabooSimilar to Password and adapted from the traditional card game, this activity

allows students to use clues to guess vocabulary terms. Students work in pairs to review

the words. Without looking at it, one player puts a card up to his or her forehead. The second player gives the first player clues about the word. He or she then tries to guess the term. The players then switch roles and repeat the process.

That’s Me!This simple review activity can easily be used as a class warm up. As students

walk in the door, they are given one vocabulary term on a card. When class starts the teacher calls out a definition. The student who has the corresponding term stands up and says “That’s Me!” Each student might be given a different term or more than one student can have same term. In that case, more than one person would stand up when the term is called.

Zip AroundZip Around is another fun, competitive activity teachers can use to review

vocabulary terms. First, the teacher prepares slips that have various terms and definitions on them. One card might read “I am an encyclopedia. Who has a book of maps and facts about those maps?” One student will start by reading his or her card. Then the student who has the answer to the first student’s card will respond by reading the answer (“I am...”) and reading the next definition. The activity tests students’ knowledge of the terms and also allows them to review as they listen to their classmates. Zip Around can be used competitively if the teacher records the amount of time it takes the class to get through all of the cards. The class can compete against their own score, or the times posted from other periods.