Submitted by Kelly Davisson, Keller, Texas
Idea posted April 18, 2005
I create a staff on my floor with painter's tape. I also make a poster board chart of the staff with laminated notes that have the letter name on the note. Each laminated note has a bit of "sticky tac" putty on the back to adhere to the poster board staff.
We review the line and space notes on the staff using the poster board and sticky notes. I ask a child to place the note on the correct line or space (EGBDF and FACE). Then I leave the chart in plain view, so that they can study when they are in line for the game.
Game: Divide the class into two even teams.
Have them line up in front of the floor staff. The first person in each line goes to either side of the staff. When I say a letter name, the first student to "smack" the correct line or space gets a point for their team. (I say "high" or "low" for E and F.) NOTE: They must keep the palm of their hand in place until I say "winner," "try again," or "tie." If there is a tie, I quiz with another note until only one person has won.
Those players go to the end of the line, and the next people in each line compete for the next point. (The kids who are waiting in line must study the poster board chart.) I continue until all have had a turn (or two) and then tally up the points at the end to see which team "smacked" the most correct notes.
My kids really like this game. I use it with 3rd and 4th grade. Have fun!