Author: Laura T.
School, country: Helsingin Uusi yhteiskoulu, Finland
Level: 13-18
Subject: Languages
Title of the activity: Tic-Tac-Toe (grammar, vocabulary etc.)
Justification and description of the activity:
Building vocabulary is an essential part of language learning, but sometimes it is difficult to inspire students to learn vocabulary. Tic-Tac-Toe is a fun way to review vocabulary (or e.g. grammar forms). This game is great for differentiation since it allows students to work on their own level: advanced students can choose more difficult words or phrases and weaker students can focus on the basic vocabulary. If the game is played with the whole class, students learn to work together as a team to achieve a common goal while having fun at the same time.
How to play:
- Students draw a 3x3 grid (or teacher can provide them with a ready-made grid to save time).
- Students work in pairs and fill in the grid with words from a word list. Depending on their skill level they can either write the words in their first language or target language (or even use longer phrases instead of single words).
- Students take turns choosing squares and then try to translate the chosen word / phrase. If correct, the student places the appropriate letter (X or O) in the square. If incorrect, the square stays as it is. The goal is to score 3 in a row - horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
- After the game, students can continue to work with the vocabulary. They can, for example, write a story using the words from the grid. Or just simple sentences, depending again on the level of their language skills. Writing a story requires students to process the vocabulary words on a more creative and higher cognitive level.
Sessions: 10-15 min
Grouping: pair, small group, large group, whole class
Resources: a vocabulary list, pen and paper
Recommendations of the authors for putting it into practice:
This game can also be played with the whole class so that the teacher fills in the words and acts as ‘a judge’. The game can be modified so that instead of just translating the words students use them in a sentence or conjugate verbs etc. This game can be played with words, grammar forms (e.g. present tense into past tense), adjectives, biology terms, math problems and basically anything you can think of. The only restriction is your imagination.
