When I first created my Picture Prompts Board Game, I thought it would be a fun way for students to practice using question words and describing cause and effect. It was! Since then, I’ve used it to practice a whole host of other skills: adjectives, compound and complex sentences, general speaking practice, and forming sentences in every verb tense in the English language. Today, I’d like to share with you yet another way I recently used the game.
This particular use was inspired by a game called Who Verb What by Cool English. In his game, students look at a picture and identify the who, the verb, and the what. I thought, why not take it further? Why not have students look at the picture and then form a sentence with only a direct object or both a direct and an indirect object, depending on what number they rolled? Since I already had the game, it was easy to make the adjustment. The first time we tried it, I just put a roll key on the board (even = direct object only, odd = both direct and indirect object) and let the students try it out. Since the feedback was positive, I made some paper key cards, spinner labels, and “cheat” cards. You can download all of these things, along with directions for making your own CD spinner stands, at the bottom of the post.
The directions I give students are very similar to all of the other versions of the game:
- Roll the number cube to determine if you will state a sentence with only a direct object or a sentence with both a direct and an indirect object.
- even number = direct object only
- The player kicked the ball.
- odd number = both a direct and an indirect object
- The player kicked the ball to his teammate.
- even number = direct object only
- Take the top card and state a complete sentence about the picture.
- If the other players agree your sentence is grammatically correct, move your piece the number indicated on the number cube.
- Place the picture at the bottom of the pile.
Using a game to practice multiple skills is not unusual in my classroom, but I think this might be the game I’ve used to practice the most skills! Give Direct and Indirect Object Picture Prompts Board Game (or one of the other versions) a try and see how your students like it. Happy teaching, everyone!
The Gaming Grammarian 