Objective: To learn as many new vocabulary words as possible, and to have fun while doing so!

Directions: Choose as many of these activities as you can, within the time allotted (pace yourself).  Do not spend more than ten minutes with any one activity.  The recorder in your group will write down fifteen new words you learn (from any of the games) with their proper definitions.

You may substitute three etymologies for three definitions.  For each etymology you write, write the word "etymology" next to the word.

Turn in this paper before you leave, with each group member's name and number.   Have fun!

Note: For some of the activities, you will need to scroll down to see the entire page.  Also, use your "back" button to return to this page, your "headquarters."

First, visit the  Cool Word of the Day Page .  Look at the word and click on "definition" to find out the meaning of the word.  You may also view some of the past cool words of the day. Do not submit a word.

Play the  Vocabulary Stretching Game .  Read the instructions first.  You can play both Game 1 and Game 2.

Play  Fake Out!   When you finish with this week's games, go to the past games archive and try a few of the words there.  Only click on words you do not already know.  Do not be concerned about the grade levels given for the words.  Believe me, even some of the so-called "K-2" words can be challenging, so feel free to use any list.

Play  Where's THAT From? , an etymology (word origin) quiz game.

Test your news-reading skills at  Spizzerinctum ! Click only on "Today's 100% Real Word," (scroll down), or on five or six of the recently added words.  Read the stories, if you need to, to see the words used in context.  Good luck!

After you have written down your fifteen definitions, you may play  Jumbalaya .  Play against the computer (anonymously) and see how many words you can find on the grid.  You can go in any direction, but the letters must touch each other.  I would set the minimum number of letters to three, and the time to four minutes.  You may also want to set the grid size to 6x6, and the computer skill level to a low number.  If you have questions, click on "help," and then "instructions," or see me .
 

Back to the teen page .