Play "Instead Of": A Word Game
Categories: 4th Grade, Reading, Writing
Adults are all too aware that word choice is everything. But, kids may need a little reminder about the importance (and even joy!) in finding just the right word to express what you want to say. Here's a game to get your child started out on the right track.
What You Need:
paper
pencil
What You Do:
Step 1
Start by explaining to your child what goes into choosing a great word in a precise, interesting, and natural way. This happens when:
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Words are specific and accurate. It is easy to understand just what the writer means.
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Striking words and phrases often catch the reader's eye and linger in the reader's mind.
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Language and phrasing are natural, effective, and appropriate for the audience.
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Lively verbs add energy while specific nouns and modifiers add depth.
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Choices in language enhance the meaning and clarify understanding.
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Precision is obvious. The writer has taken care to put just the right word or phrase in just the right spot.
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Step 2
Now, it's time to play "Instead Of" to get your child thinking about better word choice. Start by writing one vague, overused word at the top of a sheet of paper, such as good, bad, nice, said, fun, very, etc.
Then work together with your child to list as many synonyms to that word that are more descriptive, vivid and expressive. For instance, “Instead of Very” could include: absolutely, certainly, extremely, severely, truly, wonderfully, remarkably, etc. Attach the sheet of paper to your refrigerator door (or any other place in your house that gets a lot of foot traffic), and over the next few days continue to add to the list as new ideas form—get the entire family involved!
Have your child write his name next to all the synonyms that he thinks of on his own, and for each one give him a point. Once you have an exhaustive list of synonyms for one word, try the activity again with a new word! When he gets to 20 points (this may take several rounds of "Instead Of") reward him with a special prize, such as a trip to your favorite ice cream place or to a movie
Step 3
Be sure to encourage your child to incorporate as many of these descriptive words into their next composition as possible.
Jane Oh has taught third and fourth grades for 8 years. She has worked with many diverse groups of students. Most recently, she has written teacher textbook guides.
