Cooperative Groups Spelling Game!

Every year I play this game with my kids

and every year, they love it!

It's super easy and can be finished in about 10 minutes.

I place the kids into groups of 3 or 4.

Each group needs something to write on:

paper/pencil

whiteboard/marker.

Next, I give the class a very broad category.

The kids are usually good at helping with this part.

school

music

animals

sports

Then, I choose a letter from the alphabet.

I usually pick the common ones: R,S, T, C, B...

Finally, the game begins!

Each team must brainstorm words that start with the letter given

and the words must fit into the category.

This part usually last about 3 minutes

and I play some fun background music.

SHARING TIME!

I have the rule that no team can talk when another team shares.

You talk - you lose a point!

Each team gets a chance to share their list.

The other teams need to listen and raise their hand if 

they have the same word.

WHY?

Your team only gets a point if no other team has that word.

We've played one round each day this week

and the highest score so far is 10 points.

I keep track for the week and announce the winners at the end.

Then, I'll make new groups and start over.

Please note, that I did not create this game.

I found it years ago in a Scholastic book,

so I am by no means taking credit for it.

Just wanted to share something fun!

What are some other fun games you play with your class?