Students play a game in which they see how many words they
can form from a scoop of lima bean letters.
Objectives
Students will
practice forming
and spelling words.
Keywords
spelling
Materials Needed
lidded container, such as a coffee can, and a scoop --
one of each for each student
fine-line permanent markers, one for each student
up to 50 large dried lima beans for each student
dictionary
timer (optional)
Lesson Plan
Provide each student with an appropriate number of large
lima beans, a lidded container, a scoop, and a fine-line permanent marker. Have
students print a letter of the alphabet on each lima bean. Older students should
make four or five beans for every vowel, at least two beans for every consonant,
and extra beans for letters such as S, T, L, M, and N. Younger students
can make fewer lima bean letters, using only the letters necessary to create words
on their spelling lists. Have students place the beans in the can with a scoop.
Invite students to shake the cans, use the scoops to remove
some beans, and then see how many words they can form using the letters on the
beans. Tell students to be sure to write down each word.
Have students use a dictionary to check their words. You
might ask them to include a definition for each word they formed.
Extension: The activity can be timed to see which
student can form the most words in the allotted time or restricted to the formation
of words from an assigned list.
Assessment
Evaluate students on the number of correct words they form.
