Learning area: English – Memory Challenge
Time commitment: Moderate (30 minutes)
Best for: Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6

This activity can be set up around the classroom, in a library, or outside. This vocabulary learning activity is fun for students of all levels. The more items you use, the more difficult the activity will be. When your students cannot remember any more items, uncover the tray, and have them check their answers. Then, have them write a sentence about each item on the tray. This gives them a chance to use the vocabulary they have just learned. To take it to another level, have your students write descriptive sentences about where the items are located on the tray.

Materials

For Teachers: Objects, tray, and instructions for the class (either handed out or written on the whiteboard)

For Students: Scrap paper & writing utensils

Teacher Instructions:

1. Collect several items on a tray (they can be around one theme or randomly selected).
2. Divide the class into groups of 3-4 students, or let students participate individually, and have scrap paper for groups or individuals to write on.
3. Show the items to your students for sixty seconds.
4. Cover the items and have groups of students work together to make a list of all the items that were on the tray.
5. Set the timer with the allowed time for the activity, and the team with the most accurate information and correctly sourced material at the end wins. Each correct answer is worth one point.
6. After checking their lists, have each group work together to write one sentence about each of the items. Each correctly formatted sentence is worth one point.
7. In addition, you can use this activity to review prepositions of location. Have your students write descriptive sentences about where the items are located on the tray. If correct, they earn an additional point.