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Spell-eez
May 8, 2014 | by
Primary Market
Education, Primary Ed
Character Focus
Citizenship
Items Needed
1 or more Toobeez sets, List(s) of spelling words, chart paper, chalkboard or dry-erase board, additional chart paper (optional)
The Activity Time
15+ minutes

Objectives

  • Work cooperatively as a team for a common goal
  • Spell words accurately to score points for a team
  • Discuss and reflect on the experience
Character Focus
Citizenship
The Challenge
Teams of students will practice spelling words to move members through the obstacle course to score points.
Preparation
Time: 10 minutes

Materials

  • 1 or more Toobeez sets
  • List(s) of spelling words
  • chart paper
  • chalkboard or dry-erase board
  • additional chart paper (optional)

Setup

  • Create an obstacle course using the Toobeez (you can determine its shape).
  • Near the start of the course, place a Toobeez square on the floor. This is the “Spelling Square.”
  • Place the chart paper, chalkboard or dry- erase board at the end of the course so students can mark their points.
Activity Plan

Time: 15+ minutes

Space: Medium

Instruction: Teams

Helpful Hints

  • Be sure to review these tips prior to beginning the activity, and if necessary, share reminders with the group during the activity.
  • Important: The course must have at least as many “spaces” as the number of letters in the longest word
  • A section of the course is a square of Toobeez, and the students will move through the course like pieces moving on a board game

Activity Instructions

1. Circle up the group, and read aloud the following Activity Challenge

Challenge: Teams of students will practice spelling words to move members through the obstacle course to score points.

2. Divide students into two teams. Explain the game to the teams.

  • Line up the two teams parallel to one another.
  • At the start of each word, one team member (Student 1) will stand at the start of the obstacle course and another member (Student 2) will enter the Spelling Square.
  • Student 2 is given a word to spell. No other members can help Student 2 spell the word.
  • If spelled correctly, Student 1 may enter the course and travel all the way through to score the team’s point.
  • If a mistake is made, determine how many letters were correct before the mistake. That is how many “spaces” Student 1 should move through the course.
  • Now, the other team may attempt to steal the misspelled word. If they spell it correctly, they win the point and the student in the course can go back to his or her line.
  • If the opposing team makes a mistake, determine how many letters were correct before the mistake. Student 1 (still in the course) will move forward one “space” for every TWO letters correct before the mistake. If this leads the student out of the course, that student’s team wins the point. If it does not, no one wins a point, but the next team’s turn starts from where Student 1 left off in the course.
  • **See below an example of how this is played!

Example Scenario

Team A is given the word “beneficial.” Brian (in the Spelling Square) spells it correctly, and Sarah moves through the entire
course to mark a point.

Team B is given the word “meticulous.” Chris (now in the Spelling Square) spells the word as: m-e-t-i-c-o-u-l-o-u-s Since the first five letters were spelled correctly before he made a mistake, Kristen can move five sections into the course.

Now, Team A is given a chance to steal the same word. Josh spells the word: m-e-t-i-c-u-l-u-s. Since seven letters are correct, Kristen (who is still in the course) will move ahead one space for every TWO letters correct (in this case, only three spaces – no rounding up). If this gets Kristen to the end of the course, Team B wins the point. If it does not, no one wins a point, but Andrew replaces Kristen at her spot as the starting point for his team’s next word.

3. Play the game until a certain point value is won or a set time is over.

4. After the activity, move to the “Activity Discussion and Processing” section of the activity.

Here are available Training Options!
Above, a student (at right) in the Spelling Square attempts to spell a word so her teammate (left) can move into the obstacle course.

Above, a student (at right) in the Spelling Square attempts to spell a word so her teammate (left) can move into the obstacle course.

This is a sample of how a simple obstacle course could look.

This is a sample of how a simple obstacle course could look.

Assessment

  • Students worked cooperatively as teams
  • Students spelled words accurately to win points for their team
  • Teacher observed good student work
  • Students displayed good character and sportsmanship while engaging in competitive play

Activity Discussion and Processing

To close the lesson, end with a group discussion about what was learned during the activity. Circle up the group, and work through the following questions. If possible, record the group’s responses on flip chart paper so all comments are displayed.
  • How did this game motivate you to focus on your spelling?
  • How did your group work together for a common goal?
  • Why is it important for citizens to work together?

Activity Variations

1. Remove the element of competition.
Play the game in the same manner and track points. At the end of the game, however, combine point scores for a total score. After students study their words, play the game again (perhaps the next day or as a review for a test) and see if they can beat their original combined score.
About Author
Victoria Anderson, M.Ed. (10 Activities)
Author of the Toobeez Language Arts Activity Workbook and Independent Writing Consultant. Anderson Editorial Services is a company dedicated to providing writing services for creative, informational and educational writing. Whether developing, editing, formatting or proofreading, Anderson Editorial is committed to producing the highest quality of writing.
All Activities of Victoria Anderson, M.Ed.

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