Submitted by Cheryl DiAmore, Guam, USA
Idea posted January 26, 2010
I've been using this game for years and every group has begged to play it again - even cynical 8th grade boys admit that they love it! It takes a bit a patience to make but it really is worth it, so hang in there.
Materials needed:
- 1 gallon size Ziplock baggie for each 3 or 4 students (example: make 7 or 8 sets for a class of 24)
- approximately 50 (3 x 5 inch) index cards for each baggie
- black marker
Directions: Cut each index card in half so they measure 3 x 2.5 inches and then write a large letter on it. Make three sets of the alphabet plus some extras (preferably vowels, most-used letters like "s," etc.) for each baggie or "Spelling Sack."
To play the game: Divide class into teams and give each team their "Spelling Sack." I usually start simple for the first round: I hold up a flash card of a music symbol and the 1st team to correctly spell its name gets three points, the 2nd team gets two points, and 3rd place team gets one point. On the next round, I say the definition of the symbol, "This symbol shows you that the song is over," and they have to spell, "double bar," etc.
The directions sound really boring, but the kids think it's a blast. I've had a lot of good comments from admin and other staff about this game... you need to see it in action, I guess.
You can use it to review almost anything: "Who composed Für Elise?" or, "The Sound of Music is set in which country?" and I give the whole class clues when they get stumped like, "There's only one 'a' in saxophone." You could even have them spell the next word from a song lyric. It's a very versatile game once you go through the drudgery of making it.