The Purple Monster Word Game
Children who are taught syllable patterns love playing this game. You can modify the rules to meet the needs of different levels of learning. The monster word cards (2 syllable words) tantalize the students because they quickly realize they can move more spaces if they choose those, thus encouraging them to try decoding or spelling bigger words. Game can be completed in a short period of time, so that its use fits into tight lesson schedules.
For 2-6 players and an adult. Structured reading programs have a lot in common, but do vary. I might have modifications for the word cards to fit a specific program if you mention the program you are using.
Items Included:
Laminated game board with one spinner wheel (see photo)
Three additional spinner wheels (see photo) to simplify play for three, four, or five-syllable patterns. Wheels fit over the shaft of the spinner and cover the board’s spinner wheel (you may request an alternate set of spinners with colors but no labels if you need a different set of syllable patterns than the sequence shown).
Set of one-syllable word cards for each syllable pattern (294 word cards total)
Purple monster word cards for two-syllable words (126 word cards)
8-section box for keeping cards sorted by syllable patterns and “monster words;”
some assembly required (not shown)Playing pieces (6)
Instructions
DIRECTIONS for different uses:
Reading: Children either choose to spin and draw a corresponding one-syllable word card, or to just draw a two-syllable Purple Monster Word card. They move their marker one space for each letter in the word (or spell the word aloud as they move their marker). Students love the challenge of longer words because they get to advance more spaces. Color-coded vowel sounds highlight syllable patterns on the word cards. Arrows on the board point the way to a short cut to help move the game along quickly.
Segmenting Sounds: The teacher reads word and students move their pieces based on the number of sounds in a word. For instance, cheek has 3 sounds: ch-ee-k, green has 4: g-r-ee-n, mushroom has 6: m-u-sh-r-oo-m.
Spelling: For older students, who have more of an issue with spelling than reading, have them draw a monster card and move one space for reading the word, another space for breaking it into syllables, and two more spaces for naming the syllable patterns.
Students use the spinner only when their piece lands on a shortcut dial. The teacher draws and reads the word and the student must spell it correctly before moving across the shortcut.
“I love the versatility of The Purple Monster Word Game. The fact that it comes with basic instructions that can get anyone started is great; but as a tutor of a number of upper elementary and middle school students, we were able to modify the game to reinforce any concept that was currently being taught. The students really liked making up the rules and then “testing” the game to see if it “worked”. Any day I can get a student involved and excited about reading and spelling is a great day!”
Jen E., Certified Academic Language Practitioner/Tutor