Today I introduced The Mystery Word to my class. It's the best hour any teacher could ask for. Once you've shown your students how to "play" (Really, it's learning - HA! Tricked'em!), it's great to have on hand for a little break from the norm, add it to your centers rotation, and supply it for your next substitute.
Here is how I roll it out:
- Put students into pairs (or small groups)
- Pass out a record sheet and letter strip to each student
- Have students use one color (different than their teammate(s) and color their letter strip
- Cut out letters
- Explain the parameters - this includes telling kids that they can use each letter ONCE per word, they cannot flip letters (they are underlined), they CAN write proper nouns, no inappropriate words, there is one word (sometimes two) that uses ALL of the letters - The Mystery Word, no walking around - we know kids cheat 🤣, and keep your words quiet so teams around you don't steal your words.
- Make words
- Record
- Tally points
- Give prizes!
Q: So why color the letter strip?
A: This strategy helps keep the students from mixing up their letters with their partner(s)
Q: What's the objective?
A: To be the group with the MOST points at the end of the time limit. Even if kids get the Mystery Word, which is worth 20 points, they still have incentive to continue playing.
Here is one team working together today.
Happy Friday!
