Let's Play Scrabble!

Project URL:
http://www.teachnet-lab.org/ps101/chornik/scrabble/
scrabbleintro.htm
 
How it works:
In this WebQuest, students develop skills needed to research the history, rules, strategies, and masters of the time-honored game of Scrabble on the Web. As they play the game, they recognize word patterns, improve their spelling skills, and increase their vocabulary as they build words on the board. In addition, students reinforce basic addition skills as they total their word scores for each play and add them to their game scores.

Standards addressed:  
Students use information technology to assist in gathering, organizing, and presenting information; work with others to complete a task; participate in group meetings; identify strengths and weaknesses in their own work; show or explain something clearly enough for someone else to be able to do it; produce a narrative procedure; and demonstrate a basic understanding of the rules of the English language in written and oral work.

Materials used: 
Required materials include a Scrabble board game, computers with Internet access, and a printer.

The students:
This Scrabble! WebQuest is designed for fifth grade students working in a computer lab. It can be adapted for grades three through twelve and may be done in a classroom or library setting. Students use a group checklist to evaluate their progress.

Overall value:
Scrabble is a fun, exciting, and motivating way for students to develop vocabulary, spelling, math, and spatial relation and critical thinking skills. It develops a love for words while reinforcing important social skills. Students also develop their computer skills as they research various aspects of the game.

Tips: 
As an introduction to this Webquest, students can solve crossword puzzles and use a puzzle maker to create their own puzzles. They can also do interactive online crossword puzzles.

Carolyn Hornik has been a New York City public school teacher for twenty five years (12 years as a classroom teacher in third, fourth, and fifth grades and 13 years as a technology coordinator.) She teaches in-service courses for the New York City Board of Education After School Professional Development Program and on-line courses for new teachers through Teachers Network.

Chornik@aol.com

Estimated Class Periods To Complete: 10 or more

Subject: English, Social Studies

Beginning Grade Level: 4

Ending Grade Level: 8