Parts of Speech Sprint
Students jog in the middle of the court and, when they hear a word, sprint to the zone for its part of speech: noun, verb, or adjective. Once there, they act the word out with their body. Students practice reaction, speed, and grammar.
How to play
- Mark a 50 x 50 ft center square with cones and, about 25 feet from three of its sides, set three zones with a sign: NOUN, VERB, and ADJECTIVE (2 min).
- Everyone jogs freely inside the square, changing direction. The teacher calls a word, such as "jump," "table," or "brave."
- Each student runs to the zone they think is correct. On arrival they act it out: a noun as a statue of the object, a verb by doing the action, and an adjective with a gesture and facial expression.
- The teacher confirms the right zone, explains why in one sentence, and everyone jogs back to the middle. Nobody is out (8 min, about 15 words).
- Part two: in pairs, one partner calls the word and the other runs; switch every three words (3 min).
- Wrap-up: each student makes up a sentence using a noun, a verb, and an adjective from the game and shares it with the group (2 min).
Rules
- Wait until you hear the whole word before you take off.
- Leave room for others in the zone; no pushing to get in.
- Jog, don't sprint, back to the middle to avoid collisions.
Variations
Easier
Use only two zones (thing and action) and very familiar words shown with a picture.
Standard
Three zones and a mix of words called by the teacher.
Harder
Call short sentences and have students run to the part of speech of the last word repeated, or add a fourth zone for adverbs.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: place zones closer to them or let them answer by pointing a colored scarf at the zone and acting out the word with their arms.
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: the teacher also shows the word written on a whiteboard.
- Fitness level: students who need more challenge use a different movement each round (side shuffle, lunges); students who tire can walk.
Learning goals
- Sort words into nouns, verbs, and adjectives quickly.
- React to a verbal signal with fast, controlled movement.
- Express the meaning of a word with their body.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 12
- signs (cardstock): 3
Teacher tip
Prepare your word list ahead of time and save words that can be two parts of speech (like "run") for the end, when they spark good discussion.
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