TABOO is a word game that can be used to help students learn vocabulary and how to use the strategy of describing a word.
Instructions:
Materials needed:
Materials needed:
- Student made Taboo cards
- Beeper (optional)
- Timer
taboo_template.pdf | |
File Size: | 41 kb |
File Type: |
Step 1. Students will first need to make the Taboo cards. These cards will have the vocabulary word written at the top and then have five other words that relate to the main word but are not to be said (during game play) written below. Have students make three or more cards. These cards are then handed in and are placed together as a whole deck.
Step 2. Students can then be divided into two teams.
Step 3. A student from each team goes up to the front.
a) The student whose team is in play will have the cards. Their goal is to have their team guess as many cards as possible. They do this by saying other words or phrases that do not contain any of the words on the card.
b) The student from the team that is not currently in play is to have the beeper. Their job is to hit the beeper if the student giving the hints says a word that is written on the card. If a student is beeped they have to move on to the next card.
Step 4. Once the timer starts the student with the cards can begin giving hints to the word on the card. If the word is guessed correctly then the next card can be in play. If the student giving hints say a taboo word they need to discard the card and move on to the next one. This cycle repeats until the timer runs out.
Step 5. Each team receives points for all the cards that they guessed correctly. The team with the most points wins.
Adaptations:
1. a) For beginners, have them write less extra words (e.g., three words instead of five).
b) Allow beginners to make less cards (maybe only two) and then the teacher makes a
few extra.
c) Allow students to have more time, or set a number of cards that they should have
their team guess and do not time them.
2. a) For more advanced (or classes that need more of a challenge) have them use more
challenging words.
b) Get them to make more cards.
c) Give students less time.
3. Instead of dividing the class into two teams, have them stay as one and the teacher can be the beeper person.
Assessment:
This game would be an excellent opportunity to assess students' understanding of French vocabulary and their ability to implement the strategy of describing a word.