Dots

One of my favorite review games for those days when some students are finished with assignments and others need a little catch-up time is “dots.” You’ve probably played the original game at some point. It’s simply a grid of dots that you take turns connecting; the object is to create squares. The game easily transfers to a vocabulary review by writing words inside the boxes. When a student makes a box around one of the vocabulary words, he or she must define the word to earn a point. I usually make boxes with words worth two points as well. You can get really crafty and require students to use the word in a sentence or act it out. It’s a really handy last-minute activity. The trick is to keep a few blank grids handy so you can fill in and copy at a moment’s notice. Even better, have students design their own game boards by providing the blank grid and having them add the words before playing. Click here for a blank template.

Classroom Engagement Tip for September 4, 2008