The countdown game.

 

The countdown game.
Subject	Sentence structure game based on the ‘Countdown’ T.V. program.
Richard’s comments.	A good game for dissecting and constructing sentence structures. We use words to make sentences rather than using letters to make words because it allows students with a limited vocabulary more opportunity to be creative.
Group size:	Any class size can play. I would suggest small teams of two or three would be best. I think students working together an discussing problems will get more from the exercise rather than individuals working alone while large teams may well be dominated by a ‘star student’.
Team teaching game?	The more support the students have to draw what they know out will be a benefit but one overall supervisor should be able to cope with most situations.

 

Materials	A set of letters divided into vowels and consonants. A method of displaying the chosen letters, whether on the floor or on a board.
Plenty of scrap notepaper.
Game set up.	1 Play in groups of two or three as I discussed earlier. 2 Sit so the letter holder is clearly visible. 3 Make sure each team has a supply of scrap paper and writing materials.