PAT Password (all grades)
Author: John E. Allen, Jurupa Unified, California
Subject: Any
Objective: Vocabulary Review: Teams give clues to a hidden word as teammates try to guess the word.
Materials and Preparation:
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Vocabulary word list
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Two chairs
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Whiteboard and marker
Student Grouping: 2 Teams
The Play:
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Each team selects a member to sit in the front of the room with their back to the board, facing the team.
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A word is written on the board behind them.
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The team can see the word, but the "guesser" can't.
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Teams take turns giving a one-word clue (synonym, rhyming word, etc.-more difficult) or descriptive sentence (more easy)for the hidden word.
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One team guesser tries to guess the word. If incorrect, the next team may give another clue, and their guesser may guess.
Scoring: A point is scored for the team guesser guessing correctly.
Further Play:
Options:
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Smaller teams with more guessers at the board
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Teams write and show clue
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Pull words from a limited word bank.
Examples:
Password: evening
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Team A clue: dark
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Team A guess: black (wrong)
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Team B clue: nighttime
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Team B guess: evening (correct- point for Team B)
Comments or Variations: For control, have teams discuss clue, but choose one spokesperson to give the clue. Encourage the guesser to string all of the clues together.