How to Play
| Before Play | |
| It's best to show the students one sample game, and then pass out a set of cards to each of them. If you pass out the cards first, they may fiddle with them rather than listen to you. If you forget or they already have a set of cards from a previous game, simply ask them to put the cards behind themselves. | |
| Step 1: Show a Sample Game to the Students | |
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Arrange your cards as you explain the game to your students. "Put your "A" card closest to you. Spread out the other cards face up above your "A" and mix them up. Keep mixing them until you hear me say "GO! Then you can put your cards in order." Choose a student who can act as the teacher while you play the student. "David, can you say "GO!" for me?" David watches me for a moment as I mix the cards around on the floor, then says, "GO!". As quickly as possible I put my cards in order. As the last card slides into place, I call out "Fine!" Looking up at your students you can say, "It's easy. Everyone understand?" Since the demonstration is quite clear, there usually aren't questions, but if there are, take a moment to answer them. |
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| Step 2: Game Set-up for Students | |
| Give each student a set of alphabet cards. If you want the class to be a little peppier, toss them to each student. If you want them to quiet down a bit, calmly hand them out. "Okay, put out your "A" card in front of you and mix up the others." |  |
| Step 3: Game Play | |
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After you see that every student has their first card in place and are mixing up their other cards, say "GO!". They will work as fast as they can to put their cards in order. "FINE!" says one student. "Fine!" says another, and so on -- "FINE." "fine." "FINE!!" "Okay! Well done! Let's check our cards and say them together, ok?" Pointing to your cards and motioning for them to do the same, say "A, B, C, D, E, F, G" together. "That was fun, wasn't it?" Please see TIPS for an important step in this game |
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