1-2-3 Come Play Charades With Me

Charades used to be a really popular game for my grandma's generation. Lots of different versions of this classic, have evolved for more current gaming, so most children are familiar with it. 

I thought playing charades, would be an interesting way to build your students' vocabularies, at the same time reinforcing verb concepts, so I designed the packet: Lights, Camera, Action Verbs

This packet is not only an interesting and fun way to build students' vocabularies, but also reinforces verb usage, synonyms, and dictionary alphabetizing skills.

It's a quick and easy Daily 5 activity or a game students can play with a substitute teacher, or when you have a few extra minutes in your day.

The packet includes an action verb of the day poster, a cover for a student action verb dictionary, an alphabetical list of 172 action verbs, plus 172 mini action verb cards. 

Put a new verb on the poster each day.  Students can define it, use it in a sentence, plus add it to their dictionary and give as many synonyms for that verb as they can think of.  You could also ask them if this verb is ever used as a noun.

To play the Charades game, toss the verb cards into a container.  Gather the students in a circle and have them choose a card.  They have 30 seconds to act out their verb. 

You decide on the rules, if they can use props or a partner, sound effects etc.  Younger students can "sky write" the beginning letter to get students on the right track.

To keep the game fresh, challenge students to solve as many word cards as they can in a designated amount of time.  Keep track of their highest score to see if they can beat it each time you play the game.

Click on the link to view/download the Lights, Camera, Action Verb packet.

If you're looking for more verb activities, scroll down to check out the class-made Action Verb Book in the blog below or Action Verbs Get the Wiggles Out article below that, where I use verbs as a classroom management tool. 

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you found something useful that makes your life a bit easier.  Summer is once again calling and it's time to walk Chloe, my sweet little poodle, who needs a bit of attention.

"You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" -Dr. Seuss

1-2-3 Come Have Fun Learning About Verbs With Me!

One of the things I used to do with my Y5's, was to help them "get the wiggles out".  When I felt they were getting a bit antsy, I'd say: "Quick! Jump up! Get those wiggles out!” (We’d wiggle, giggle & shake.) Then I’d say “FREEZE.”  (Everyone froze in place in utter silence.)  I'd quietly and slowly say: “Now-carefully, peel those frozen wiggles off and throw them out the window!”  They’d toss their wiggles out, and we’d wipe our brows and say: “Whew! Wiggles gone!" 

Sometimes, after they had thrown their wiggles out the window, I’d exclaim, “Uh oh!” (Then whisper:) "Shhh! A wiggle snuck in! Catch it and toss it out again!”  We’d very slowly and quietly reach for the stars, grab a wiggle, and toss, it slow motion, out the window once again.

As a teacher, you mime the movements and they will follow your lead. "Monkey-see, monkey-do."  The quiet voice and very slow actions will calm your wild ones down and give you control of the class.

My Y5's absolutely LOVED this, and were ready to get back down to business.  Brain breaks are so important with little ones, especially during that first month of school, when they are getting used to a long day of routines.

With that in mind, I designed the Ready! Set! Action! packet.  It's an interesting and fun way to help your students learn about verbs, at the same time acting as a classroom management technique.  Students enjoy the action of the game, while you reinforce the grammar concept.

Explain to students that verbs are words that describe an action, then ask them for some examples. (I don't get into "state of being verbs" with my kiddos, but if you teach older grades, by all means, give them the full definition.)  

Print the action poster on card stock and then put it on the front of a container (shoebox, ice-cream pail, basket)

Print off the action cards, laminate and trim. (I've included 45 verb cards, plus a blank set for you to program with whatever.)  Put the cards in the container.

When you are ready to get the wiggles out, or want to transition to another activity, choose a child to pick an action (verb) card out of your container.  They show the card and everyone reads it. That person can demonstrate the action, or everyone can do their own version.

I've included small blank clacker cards, for you to program with your students' names.  Just another fun little detail to match the theme.

There's also an "It's time to wiggle" poster. Show the poster and have students call out a verb.  Choose one and do that action to “get the wiggles out.” 

You could also use this as a way to transition children over to the action verb activity explained above.  Show the sign, pick a student, who picks a verb card and then children chant: “Time to wiggle. Time to giggle.  Time to ________ (jiggle)." or whatever word card was chosen. Have students do that activity in place, or have them transition to the next activity by doing that action.

I wanted to give a shout out to Michelle over at 3am Teacher for the cute "movie clacker" clip art.  As you can see, it was just what I was looking for and perfect for this packet.  I have a "real" slate clacker that I bought at the party store for only $2.00.  I thought it would add to the fun.  Click on the link to view/download the Action Verb Packet.

While doing verb research, I discovered that the term originates from Latin. (Who knew? And I took it for 5 years!) I also found some super-helpful sites that you might like.  Enchanted Learning has a wonderful (school appropriate) alphabetical list of verbs.  My personal favorite site for verbs is Verbs 1.  If you're looking for a verb that starts with a specific letter, then this site's for you.  Simply click on whatever letter you need and you'll find an alphabetical list starting with that letter.

For 2,000 action verbs, Grammar Check Dictionary is also a nice resource.  Finally, Woxikon, is a database that helps you with a verb's individual meaning, forms and conjugations in 8 different languages!

Well that's it for today.  It's Saturday and summer is calling! (My husband is too, as my computer time is up and we're off to the fair.) I'm wishing you an action-packed day, over flowing with fun.