The University of Iowa

Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use

Paraphrase Game

Players describe nouns so that other players can guess them. This game provides practice using paraphrasing strategies, which are helpful when a speaker is struggling to use an unknown word.

PDF iconParaphrase Game

Word Match Game

Players match nouns and adjectives to expand their vocabulary and practice other literacy skills including morpheme awareness, making connections to background knowledge, and social connections. Directions for how to play the game and templates to make your own cards are included.

PDF iconWord Match Game

Context Clue Graphic Organizer

Students can identify and keep track of context clues using this graphic organizer by writing down the unfamiliar word, the type of context clue, and the word meaning. Context clues help readers determine the meaning of new words.

PDF iconContext Clue Graphic Organizer