Lesson Plans: The Caterpillar Game
Here is a game that I created when I was a substitute teacher and I needed a time filler. Eventually this game became a tool that I used in the classroom on a periodic basis; and now I use it as an instructional tool for tutors and other teachers.
I call it ‘The Caterpillar Word Game.’
First I will tell you the directions, then ways to expand upon it for your own classroom and students.
Step 1: Find a polysyllabic word
The one I started out with was Caterpillar (thus the name of the game). I’ve also used kindergartners, discombobulated, antidisestablishmentarianism, lightheartedness, misanthropic, philanthropic, etc.
A. I always used a word that had multiple syllables, as the students are more likely to make more word combinations out of it. There is also a likelihood that the students may not know the larger word, and this provides teachers with an opportunity to teach their class on how to say the larger word and to learn its meaning.
Step 2: Give your students the rules
The Rules are as follows: [I will use ‘caterpillar' for examples]
A. Use only these letters [pill is OK, map is NOT]
B. Letters can be put in any order [later]
C. All words have to be at least three letters [tap]
D. No proper nouns [Cate]
E. English language only words (or whatever particular language you are working on) [eta]
F. No foul language
G. Brains are your only resource; no dictionaries or friends to help
Also, make sure that for the word you start out with, you provide your students with an example of each rule. This helps them, especially when it is the first time, to comprehend what it is that they are doing.
Step 3: Time out the lesson
Designate how much time you will allow your students to work on it. For me, I used it for 30 minutes at a time, or in the afternoons after state-mandated testing. Give your students an amount of time that works for your needs.
Step 4: Decide on a prize for the winner
Here, I always had two stages of winning.
A. The person who has the most correctly spelled words will be allowed to decide what we do for P.E. this afternoon
B. If there is someone who has found more correct words that I, the teacher, you will decide what we do for the rest of the day, or math class tomorrow, etc.
To view the product and purchase it, click here:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Caterpillar-Word-Game