How To Play Phrase it
2-4 Players (Adult Plays or Supervises)
Set a time for play (eg 5-10 mins).
Shuffle in the 16 Action Cards (2 of each type). (Use less phrase and action cards as appropriate.)
Place cards face-down in single pile between players.
Take turns drawing one card from pile and reading the phrase aloud.
Encourage reading with expression.
If phrase is read correctly, player keeps the card.
If phrase is read incorrectly, adult assists with the reading and then says 'You'll get it next time'. Card goes to bottom of pile.
Follow the special action cards when drawn (see the action descriptor card for instructions). Place off to the side (not counted in player's total).
The winner is the player with the most phrase cards when time is up!
How to Score Phrase it
Players count up the number of phrase cards in their pile.
Bonus Points (1 point each):
- Players read all of the phrases in their pile correctly
- Players make up a sentence using 2 phrases
- Players make up a sentence using 3 phrases
(Note: extra words can be added verbally so sentence makes sense)
Score Pad:
Use the Game 'Scoreboard' to record scores and keep a running tally every time the game is played. This will enhance the sense of competition and fun!
where to start
Because high-frequency words are relevant at every age, even the early sets can be useful for older pupils.
To foster confidence, consider beginning with earlier and easier word sets.
Play the game many times with the same phrases to build automaticity.
Once mastered, move on to the next set.
Phrases from previous sets can be mixed in with later sets if more practice with specific words/phrases is needed.
Game sets are colour-coded and numbered for easy sorting.
Important Note:
- Players should be able to read the majority of words for the chosen set.
- If specific words present a stumbling block (despite guidance during the game), work on these words individually using the usual well-known methods (eg phonetic decoding, word analysis, syllable division).
Simply remove these phrases from the game set and re-insert once the words are learnt.
Extra 3-Time challenge
This is an individual challenge for the pupil:
Arrange 10 phrase cards across in one or two long rows on a table.
Read 3 Times:
- Read 1: Read the 'long, silly sentence' and record the time taken (in seconds).
- Read 2: Read the 'long, silly sentence' a second time and record the time taken.
- Read 3: Read the 'long, silly sentence' a third time and record the time taken.
Take this 3-Time Challenge and try to 'Beat Your Own Time'.
If you do, give yourself a tick or sticker. See how many you can accumulate!
Use the 3-Time Challenge Score Pad to record progress.
This challenge can be done immediately after the Phrase It Game as a reinforcement activity (or carried out at a separate time). Note that phrase cards could also be held in hand or arranged vertically in columns for reading. The idea is to do 'repeated reading' of phrases within a short time frame. This has been shown to facilitate reading fluency.
additional game to play - sentence it
2-4 Players (Adult Plays or Supervises)
Remove action cards from the pack.
Shuffle and deal 5 cards per player. Remainder go in centre pile face-down.
Players lay out their 5 cards face-up and take turns to make up a sentence using as many of their 5 phrases as possible (words can be added verbally so the sentence makes sense).
Players put their 'used' phrase cards to side in their own pile.
Players then add to their remaining cards by drawing from centre pile to create a new set of 5 cards.
Players make up another sentence using as many of their 5 phrases as possible. Continue taking turns.
Game ends when no cards are left in pile (or a set time has elapsed).
The winner is the player with the most 'used' phrase cards in their pile.
Score Pad:
Use the same Game 'Scoreboard' to record scores and keep a running tally every time the game is played! Sentence It adds variety to the game playing while continuing to build word recognition and reading fluency in an engaging format.
