You know what I'm talking about. When two kids are playing a game and one of them isn't paying attention because it's not their turn. They're looking around, disengaged, and definitely not learning. Not with this game!
When I created Switch!, I made sure that both students would have a job to do no matter whose turn it was. Here's how it works:
Player 1 spins and moves to the color they spin. Then they perform a task. Here's where Partner 2 plays a role because if Player 1 spins "Write It" or "Spell It" Player 2 is drawing a Word Card for Player 1 and reading it to them. Player 1 is either writing the word or spelling it verbally while Player 2 checks the spelling. If they spin "Switch" the players reverse roles. If the spinner lands on the blue question mark, Player 1 moves and follows directions on that space, which may include switching spaces on the game board with their partner. That always gets their attention!
Also, I built in a reward for spelling words correctly: they get to move a bonus space. So, no penalties for errors, but positive reinforcement for getting it right. Boy, do my kids try hard to get it right!
When I introduced this game to my students, I did so in small groups. It took several turns for them to learn the rules, but after that they flew! Now I just place 3 sets of the games in my word work bins and they are able to play independently.
My students are loving this new game. I am seeing a high level of engagement and improvement in their spelling skills, especially for the vowel teams and diphthongs we've been working on. Each week, I print out a new set of word cards and I'm ready to go.
You can check out my Switch! game on TPT here.
I hope your students love it as much as mine do.
