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"Say Where"

A game that teaches the vocabulary of direction and position

 

Each player has the same items:

• Blocks
• A square or rectangle of paper to be used as a base sheet

Rules:
One person is "It".

"It" gives directions while placing the game pieces on his base sheet. For example, "I am placing my small red square on the center of the blue square." All players try to follow these oral instructions with their own base sheets and game pieces while their moves are hidden behind their folders as a screen. At the end of the "turn", "It" removes his folder and everyone compares block arrangements.

If the leader gives unclear instructions, the other players will quickly demand greater clarity of word choice. Players' understanding of the words they hear will be apparent in how they place their blocks. They will self-correct as play continues.

Variations:

• The number of players can range from two to a classroom. Teams of two or three players can work together to place the blocks. Their discussion of choices help them build firmer understanding of the oral directions.

• The number of blocks can vary from one to many. However, each player must have identical blocks. Starting with a single rectangular block helps players build common meanings for "top," "flat," "up," and so on.

• A line, square, circle, triangle may be drawn on the base sheet so that players must consider this in their block placements.

• Objects such as a pencil, marble or ruler may be included and placed according to oral instructions by "It".

• Selected words such as "horizontal" or "diagonal" may be required language for a game. Eventually left, right, east, west, north and south can be included.

The game is fast moving!

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ARK Institute of Learning 1916 South Washington St. Tacoma, WA 98405 Phone (253)573-0311 Fax (253)573-0211 E-mail ARKfdn@aol.com or cstockdale@ARKInst.org