Parts of Speech Showdown

Equipment list

  • Looseleaf paper

  • Projector (displaying definitions of adjective, noun, and verb)

  • Chart paper (3 sheets labeled “Adjective,” “Noun,” “Verb”)

  • Writing utensils

  • Clothespins (4 per student)

Explanation

Explanation
This interactive, movement-based game helps students review parts of speech while having fun!

Set-up:
Post 3 large sheets of chart paper around the room labeled Adjective, Noun, and Verb. Definitions are projected for reference.

Warm-Up:
Students review definitions and brainstorm examples together.

Main Activity:

Students pair up and create a team name.

In teams, they rotate around the room adding examples to the correct chart paper.

Then comes the action! Each student gets 4 clothespins. In an open space (circle or gym), students approach one another:

  • Student 1 says a word and its part of speech (e.g., “Soft is an adjective”).

  • Student 2 counters with their own (e.g., “Jumping is a verb”).

  • If both are correct, they keep their clothespins.

  • If one is wrong (e.g., calling falling a noun), the other player may take one of their clothespins.

The goal? Keep as many clothespins as possible!

Variation

  • Use color-coded word cards instead of oral examples.

  • Make it a relay race: students race to the chart, pull a word, and sort it into the correct bin.

Progression

  • Start: Focus on basic, familiar words.

  • Next: Add more complex or multi-function words (e.g., “play” as a noun and verb).

  • Challenge: Ask students to explain why a word belongs in its category.

ASK ID 2025-04-29-006-E

Grade 3 - 4, Grade 5 - 6Gasta DesignEnglish Language Arts