Digital Media in an English World

GRAMMAR GAMES

Grammar Games and Digital Media

Since when is Digital Media part of the ELA department you may ask. One of the many perks and challenges of being a co-teacher with English I is determining where your focus can be best used. In this round of the inquiry cycle, I decided to meld my focus with the ELA department in hopes that Bence and I could unite to find a mutually beneficial focus. Many people do not readily think of grammar as part of digital media but arguably it can be a downfall of media. I liken it to paint color on a wall, if done right it may not be readily noticeable, but if done wrong it can be the most glaring thing in a room. Since implementing these Grammar Games not only have I seen improvement in the grammar itself but also the awareness of grammar in digital media from my learners.

Grammar Games Basics

Punctionary

The first game developed was Punctionary, a game that challenges groups of sentences to properly transcribe sentences read aloud with both spelling and grammar. A facilitator reads aloud the predetermined sentence and learners work in teams of 2-3 to properly write the sentence on the board. The first team to get it correct wins candy or a sticker.

Learners Lee, Kyle, and Brendan work to properly format their sentence

Sentence Scramble

The second game developed, primarily by Sam Uglow, was lovingly named Sentence Scramble. This game puts learners into groups of approximately 3-4 people. In their groups, they are then given several strips of clauses, void of any punctuation. Each group was required to separate the strips into dependent and in independent clauses; once cleared by a facilitator the groups then had to make a sentence using those strips and properly punctuate the sentence. The first team to finish correctly wins candy or a sticker.

Learners Bliss, Alex, and Ajay working as a team at NTH@C

Resisting Run-on Relay

During this game, developed by Zane Porter, learners work in groups of 3-4 to compile the longest sentence possible using cards they earn that is grammatically correct. Learners take turns tossing a poker chip to try and earn up to 5 cards. They then select that number of cards, each containing 1-2 words. They take those words to their team to compile the sentence. This all must be done in 4 minutes. The team that has a correct sentence with the most number of cards wins.

Meet Your Blogger

Hi! I’m Kat Saucier. A corporate women turned Digital Media high school facilitator. I teach at New Tech High in Coppell Texas. I work alongside my co-teacher Janelle Bence who facilitates English I. Our class is unique to our campus not only in providing learners with blended learner but demonstrating to them daily collaboration between us both. I am also a wife and a mom of two small children. So when I am not teaching I am spending time with family. I enjoy art of all forms both visual and performance. I hope you find my posts interesting and learn something new that you can use.

Follow My Blog

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.