Josh Simmons EdTech 597 Spring 2013 May 12, 2013 Edutainment Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Goal of the Lesson: Students will work in teams to enhance vocabulary through team play of the popular game Words With Friends. Learners must define and use each word played in a sentence. Rationale: Vocabulary courses end after the middle school grades and student vocabulary often becomes stagnant. By using one 50-minute class period to play a team version of Words With Friends, students will learn basic game play and understand the expectations for the remainder of the semester as they participate in personal game play outside of class. By the end of the semester, students will have an increased vocabulary and ability to properly use each word. The enhanced vocabulary will be demonstrated on the final research paper. Edutainment Used: This lesson plan will use one main form of edutainment the Words With Friends app on classroom iPads. Each Student is given a school iPad and will be expected to use the iPad to play Words With Friends.

Instructional Objectives
I. Given an iPad with internet access, learners will download and install the Words With Friends app from the Apple App Store Learners will identify sections of the Words With Friends game board and the rules associated with each Double Point and Triple Point square. Learners will work in teams to play a round of Words With Friends with others in the classroom. Learners will demonstrate an understanding of each word played by defining and using each word in a sentence. Learners will identify key components of game play and discuss how each team can earn the most points by playing higher words. Learners will be prepared to play Words With Friends on a personal level for the remainder of the semester as part of an ongoing homework assignment.

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Instructor Guide
I. Gain Attention (10 Minutes) The opening activity is designed similar to the game Balderdash. The instructor will give the class a word (the words should be very unfamiliar to the students) and 5 definitions to the word. Students will vote for the definition they believe is correct via the www.polleverywhere.com. The instructor will then read the results and also the real definition and see which students correctly guessed the definition. This should be repeated 3-5 times each time reinforcing the idea that our vocabulary is lacking. Establish Purpose (5-10 minutes) a. The instructor should identify the learning goal to enhance vocabulary through playing Words With Friends. b. Explain the specifics of Words With Friends. Make sure students understand the design of the game, bonus points and options. Demonstrate a single move in the game. c. Explain the team play version of the game and how it will be played in class versus how it will be played on a personal level for homework. Direct Attention and Begin Game (25-30 Minutes) a. Divide the classroom into 4-6 teams of 4 or 5 students each. Give each team another team to play against. b. Teams should decide the best word that can be played using the letters given in conjunction with previous plays. c. Teams should work to gain the most points possible on each play. d. The team that has the most points after 10 or 15 minutes (depending on the number of teams) will move to play another team. The final 2 teams will play games on the screen so the entire class can view each move. Provide Feedback and Conclusion (5 Minutes) a. Congratulate the winning team and give out a prize to each student on the winning team. b. Explain the ongoing homework assignment to partner with classmates in game play each week and to build vocabulary that should be exhibited on the final research paper. c. Allow students time to sign up for partnerships for week one of gameplay.

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