Arrange Me!

I have played this game a few times with my low-proficiency learners and found it very effective. Learners work together in pairs to rearrange words so that they form comprehensible sentences. I placed the cards leaning on the blackboard and each pair could only work on a set of word cards at any one time. Once they are done rearranging the words and writing them out, they could trade their cards for another set. My kids love competing against each other to be the pair with the highest number of correct sentences.

HOW IT HELPS WITH READING:
1. This activity may be used to reinforce the spelling of familiar words.
2. In order for learners to rearrange the words, they will have to read and understand (or at least guess) the meaning of the words.
3. Working in pairs encourage shared-reading between peers, which may increase learners' motivation in reading.


PREPARATION:
Write out 10-15 sentences on strips of manila card. For low-profiency learners, it is important that the sentences are familiar. In my case, I used sentences from stories we read in the classroom.

Cut out the words and label all the words in each set with a number. This prevents the words from getting mixed up.

Place the sets against the blackboard or in various places in the classroom. Giving learners the opportunity to move around the classroom makes this activity more enjoyable.

Supervise as learners rearrange the words.