How many methods can you use to reinforce or teach spelling? I don't think there is a definative answer to that question, but lately I've been introduced to a number of APPs that do just that, reinforce spelling and all I can say is, make mine Scrambled. An added bonus to using these APPs is engaging the grey and white matter which is needed as the years pass by.
| Scramble With Friends You can download this APP for FREE and begin playing within minutes. Like Words With Friends, the free version is riddled with ads. For $2.99 you can upgrade and get them out of your life and the game. You don't need to nominate a friend to play, you just begin a game, and an unknown opponent will take up the challenge. In the classroom you could have students share their Usernames. This way you are keeping it within the classroom. |  |
| Getting Started 1. Open the APP and touch the white cross to Start A New Game. 2. You then have a choice of who you want to play. You can select an opponent from your list of contacts, use friends on Facebook or go random. I use my contacts and also enjoy playing with random players registered for the game. |
|  Contact options |
| 3. There are three rounds to play and each has a time limit of 2 minutes. Once the screen, (first to the right), has been displayed select PLAY.You now have the opportunity to choose rwo tools to assist you during the game. There are three tools on offer - Freeze, Imagination and Scramble. I usually play with Freeze and Scramble, but the Imagination tool will actually show you a word if you are overwhelmed or the neurons just aren't firing. This option will also assist those learners who are struggling with spelling. The Freeze option does exactly that, freezes your screen and allows you to find and select words without the clock ticking. You only get one opportunity to Freeze. Need a new perspective? Touch the Scramble button and use the new configuration to find words. |
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| 4. Touch the DONE button and let the game begin. Your Freeze and Scramble or Imagination buttons are at the bottom of the screen. Each letter is given a value and this goes towards your total for each round and the final tally. In the third round letters are given bonus values and you can really lift your scoring rate during this round. 5. Once you have finished each round you are given a score. The words you found are listed (middle photo), and your opponent is alerted to take their turn. Scores are hidden from your opponent when playing a given round. 6. When each player has completed the three rounds you are given a summary of the scores. |
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Classroom Applications
I'm sure you will be able to think of a number of ways to utilise Scramble With Friends in the classroom. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
- Group your students of a similar ability. Using this strategy initially, will enable students to acquire the skills needed to play the game. It will also keep their interest if the scores are in the same ballpark. Don't stop them from challenging other students who may have better spelling skills, because this may be the carrot they need.
- After each round learners can record the words they have found. (See middle photo above. Flick the words up to see all words that were found for that round.) They can record them in groups by using diphthongs or initial blends etc. This activity will reinforce those words and sounds. After the game, learners can then use some of these words in sentences, develop a Crossword or Wordsearch . (These links are free, and there are many others out there.)
- Record the number of words for yourself and points for each round for both yourself and opponent. Display these results as a graph.
- Use the totals from various rounds and or games to find a player's average score. Again this data can be displayed in a graph.
- Tally the number of times learners find given words.
- Develop a scattergram using the data from the above point.
- Write instructions for using and or downloading the APP.
- Write a review. This can be posted on the game's site.
- Develop and complete a survey about aspects of the game. Again collect this data and use display in a graphical format.
- Have students develop their own version of the game using cards. Other class members can be challenged to find as many words as possible in a given time.
- In a group discuss the strategies needed to develop cards for this type of game.
MazioCreate develops contextualised literacy and numeracy resources for both adult and younger learners who require support in these areas.
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