Adventures in Learning

Currently in Language Arts we are learning about simple and compound sentences.  I decided to try out a new game and see how it worked.  The end result was the “And Or Game”.  The idea is to help students learn how to create compound sentences using the words “and” and “or”.  The kids really took off with it and were cheering for new and funnier words!  Below are directions on how to play =)

Materials:

• A4 paper about 5-6 sheets
• Student notebooks or paper
• A white/black board
• Markers, pencils or pens

Set up:

• Design a simple graph on the board for you to write the words you want the students to use in their sentences.

• On a piece of A4 paper, write the words AND and OR in big colored letters.

• You can keep score or have the students keep score.  (Usually easier to have them due to the pace of the game)

Directions:

• Have each student title their paper “The And Or Game” and have them number their paper.
• On the chart, write 2 or 3 random words that students must use in a compound sentence.  *Note you can also use punctuation marks for a little extra challenge.
• Just before students start, show them the word “AND or OR”.  Students will then quickly write a complete compound sentence using the words given them.

• The first student to complete the task, having written a proper compound sentence receives two points, and then reads their sentence out aloud to the class.
• The rest of the students gain one point and take turns reading their sentences to the class.
• After a set number of rounds (I use 5) the student with the most points wins!

Group/Team play:

• Next divide the class in to groups or teams. (usually 3-5 students per group)
• Give each group a piece of A4 paper.
• Have students collaborate within their group on the sentence writing and compete to be first.
• Follow the game directions above.

Have Fun!