Word Connect is a great game to develop listening. It also improves key thinking skills such as connecting ideas and justifying with reasons.
I like playing this game with the whole class in a circle, as it is easier for everyone to see and hear. However, you can get your class used to playing it without moving from their tables. The idea of the game is to listen to the word said by the person before you, and to say a word which has a connection.
For example, you could start with the word ‘table’. The first pupil, Lizzie, needs to think of a word which has a connection to table. Then the game continues around the class:
Lizzie: Hmm… Paper.
Mohammed: Pen.
Kyle: Plastic.
Joe: Toy.
Chantelle: Shop.
There are two ways of doing this. Pupils can simply say the word, or you can ask them to also state their reasoning. Initially, including reasons is very helpful:
Lizzie: Paper, because we use paper to write on when we are sitting at tables.
Mohammed: Pen, because we use pens to write on paper.
Kyle: Plastic, because pens are made of plastic.
Joe: Toy, because lots of toys are made of plastic.
Chantelle: Shop, because you can buy toys in shops.
Variations:
After everyone has had a go, challenge pupils in pairs to remember and jot down everyone’s words.
When your class get good at Word Connect, time how long it takes them to all say a connecting word, then see if they can beat their time.
You can also give pupils opportunities to play this game in small groups.
