Overview

In language teaching, games can be a powerful tool. Motivated students are motivated learners, and games can often motivate students by allowing them to participate in activities that are not academic on the surface. Students can unwind, relax, and have fun while putting the language skills they learn to the test. This activity is an example of a game that can be used and adapted to appropriate lessons.

In chapter 4, students learn about suffixes and syllabic stress. In this game activity, students practice forming their own suffixed words by combining root words in their hands with the suffix that is randomly determined by a die roll. They also practice pronunciation of root and derived forms of suffixed words, noting the differences in syllabic stress. This game activity is an informal assessment. It is formative in nature, meant for strengthening students’ familiarity with suffix formation.

Objectives

1. Students will be able to identify which words combine with which suffixes to create new words.
2. Students will be able to note the difference in stress between a root word and its suffixed form.

Materials

• Sets of 24 cards with root words written on them
• Six-sided dice with a different suffix written on each side
• Paper
• Pencil

Procedure

1. Students are placed into groups of four (4).
2. Each student is randomly given six (6) cards. Each card contains a root word that can be suffixed. See Appendix Figure 1.
3. Each group will be given a six-sided die. Each side of the die has a different suffix that can combine with various root words to form new words. See Appendix, Figure 2.
4. For each round, the die is rolled (by any student). Each student is then given an opportunity to select one card from their hand that can correctly combine with the suffix shown on the die to form a new word. The student places the card on the ground.
5. Any student who places a card on the ground must say the word on their card. They must then say the word that they created with the suffix.
6. Any student who forms a word must write down the root word and suffixed word on a piece of paper.
7. This process repeats until at least one student runs out of cards.
8. If desired, students can randomly and evenly re-distribute the cards among themselves to start another game.
9. Meanwhile, the instructor walks around each group to check up on the games and make sure that words that are being formed are proper.

Rationale

This game activity is a good assessment of student learning because it promotes formation. Formation is at a higher level than mere memorization or repetition.

An important skill that is taught in chapter 4 is learning to identify patterns in suffixation and stress. In this game activity, students may face unfamiliar vocabulary, but if they have successfully learned the skills in the chapter 4, they should find themselves able to guess which words go with which suffixes.

This game activity is also multi-skill. It promotes reading, writing, and also speaking, as students are required to practice stress. Again, as they have learned the skills in chapter 4 to identify patterns and make good guesses, students will be able to guess which syllables are stressed in new words.