25 Innovative and Engaging Parts of Speech Activities for Middle School: Fun Grammar Games to Enhance Learning

As educators and parents, we often encounter the challenge of making grammar lessons engaging for middle school students. The parts of speech, fundamental to understanding and mastering the English language, are particularly tricky. They form the building blocks of effective communication, both written and verbal, yet students frequently struggle with and disengage from traditional methods of grammar instruction.

25 Parts of Speech Activities for Middle School

This article introduces 25 creative and interactive activities designed specifically for middle school students to explore and learn parts of speech in a dynamic way. These activities range from games and crafts to tech-integrated tasks and physical exercises, ensuring there’s something suitable for every learning style. Each activity aims not only to educate but also to inspire enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of language mechanics.

By integrating these activities into the classroom, educators can transform mundane grammar lessons into exciting and memorable learning experiences. These methods help students grasp the practical applications of grammatical categories, improve their writing skills, and enhance their text analysis capabilities.

Whether you’re aiming to revitalize your grammar curriculum or engage reluctant learners, the activities outlined here provide innovative solutions to animate these fundamental elements of language in your middle school classroom.

On this page, you will find:

25 Parts of Speech Activities for Middle School
ActivityDifficulty levelCostDescription
1. Color a Parts of Speech PictureEasyLow ($1 to $5)Students color a picture where different sections are labeled with grammatical categories. They use specific colors assigned to each category to complete the picture.
2. Parts of Speech Paper Fortune TellerEasyLow ($1 to $5)Students use paper fortune tellers that contain definitions and examples of the eight grammatical categories. Partners interact with the fortune teller to quiz each other.
3. Face Off in Tic-Tac-ToeEasyLow ($1 to $5)A tic-tac-toe game where each square has a grammatical category. To place their mark, players must give a correct example of the category in the chosen square.
4. Bag It UpEasyLow ($1 to $5)Use UNO cards to create a game that requires players to form sentences using cards that represent different grammatical categories.
5. Use Parts of Speech Clip CardsEasyLow ($1 to $5)An activity using clip cards where students clip a clothespin onto the correct grammatical category for a given word or phrase on the card.
6. Shamrock Parts of Speech GameEasyLow ($1 to $5), downloadable gameA memory card game using cards that either display a grammatical category or a word. Students match words with their corresponding grammatical categories.
7. Play Hangman with Parts of SpeechEasyNoneTraditional Hangman game where the chosen word must fit a given grammatical category, which is indicated at the start of each round.
8. Learn the Parts of Speech PoemEasy to ModerateNoneStudents memorize and recite a poem that incorporates and highlights all eight grammatical categories.
9. Cinquain PoemsModerateNoneStudents write cinquain poems, a type of 5-line poem that focuses on syllable count, and incorporate specific grammatical categories in each line.
10. Make Parts of Speech SignsModerateLow ($1 to $5)Students create signs for each grammatical category, which can be used for classroom decoration or interactive activities.
11. Play Parts of Speech BingoModerateLow ($1 to $5)A game of bingo where each card is filled with words instead of numbers, categorized by grammatical function.
12. Famous Parts of Speech Task CardsModerateLow ($1 to $5)This activity involves students moving around the classroom to different stations where they find task cards featuring famous quotes with certain grammatical categories highlighted. Students must identify the categories in each quote.
13. Dress Up a SentenceModerateLow ($1 to $5)Students enhance a basic sentence by adding more complex grammatical categories to make it detailed and interesting.
14. Hunt and Sort EggsModerateLow ($1 to $5)An outdoor or indoor hunt where students find eggs containing words, which they must then sort into categories based on grammatical function.
15. Add a Grammar Twist to JengaModerateLow ($1 to $5) if Jenga set is already availableThis version of Jenga involves writing grammatical categories on each block. As students pull a block, they must identify a word that corresponds to the category written on it.
16. Match up Parts of Speech DominoesModerateLow ($1 to $5)Dominoes game where each tile has a word, and players must match them according to their grammatical categories.
17. Sort Magnetic Poetry Words and Make SentencesModerateLow  ($1 to $5) if magnetic poetry is already availableStudents use magnetic poetry words to sort by grammatical categories and then arrange them into structurally correct sentences based on a given pattern.
18. Super Stories Substitution GameModerateLow ($1 to $5), requires smartboard or similar technologyUsing a smartboard, students interactively edit a story by substituting words with others matching the respective grammatical category, transforming the narrative.
19. Build Sentences with LEGO BricksModerateMiddle ($5 to $10, depending on the availability of LEGO sets)Students use colored LEGO bricks, where each color represents a different grammatical category, to build sentences.
20. Parts of Speech JeopardyModerate to HighLow ($1 to $5)A Jeopardy-style game where categories are based on different grammatical categories, challenging students to answer questions or provide examples for points.
21. Throw Darts and Give ExamplesModerate to High (depending on students’ dexterity with darts)Low to Middle ($1 to $10)A dartboard with sections labeled with grammatical categories. Students throw darts and must give examples of the category they hit.
22. Go on a Parts of Speech Scavenger HuntHighLow ($1 to $5)Students explore old magazines to find examples of different grammatical categories in real-world contexts.
23. Re-purpose a Set of UNO CardsHighLow ($1 to $5) if UNO cards are already availableUse UNO cards to create a game that requires players to form sentences using cards that represent different grammatical categories.
24. Parts of Speech Escape RoomHighMiddle to High ($5 to $20)Students use their knowledge of grammatical categories to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room.
25. Tally Parts of SpeechVaries (adjustable based on reading material)NoneStudents read passages and tally the number of times each grammatical category appears, fostering analysis and counting skills.

Here’s a detailed breakdown for each parts of speech activity suitable for middle school students:

1. Color a Parts of Speech Picture

Students use a color-coded system to identify and color parts of speech within a picture. This visual and interactive approach enhances word recognition and deepens understanding of grammar, making it an ideal activity for visual learners who benefit from color association in learning.

Color a Parts of Speech Picture
Enhances word recognition and understanding through visual learning.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Printable coloring sheets with parts of speech labels
  • Colored pencils or markers

Steps

  1. Provide each student with a coloring sheet and a set of colored pencils.
  2. Assign colors to each part of speech (e.g., nouns are blue, verbs are red).
  3. Students color the sections of the picture according to the parts of speech labels.
Color a Parts of Speech Picture
Students color a picture where different sections are labeled with parts of speech.

What It Teaches

Fosters word recognition and visual understanding of grammar, illustrating how different parts of speech fit into language structure. This activity also aids in visual learning, allowing students to associate colors with grammatical functions, and enhancing memory retention.

2. Parts of Speech Paper Fortune Teller

Fold paper fortune tellers that quiz students on definitions and examples of parts of speech. This tactile activity not only enhances understanding but also adds a playful element to learning grammar, appealing to kinesthetic learners

Parts Of Speech Paper Fortune Teller
Partners interact with the fortune teller to quiz each other.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Paper
  • Instructions for folding fortune tellers
  • Pens for writing definitions and examples

Steps

  1. Provide each student with a piece of paper to fold into a fortune teller.
  2. Instruct them to write definitions and examples of parts of speech on the various flaps.
  3. In pairs, students take turns rolling a die and operating the fortune teller based on the numbers rolled.
  4. Quiz each other on the definitions and examples revealed.

Watch the video to learn how to create a fortune teller out of paper, guiding you through each step of the crafting process.

What It Teaches

Enhances understanding of parts of speech through a playful, interactive format that provides definitions and examples, promoting active recall. The tactile nature of this activity supports kinesthetic learners and makes learning grammar more accessible and enjoyable.

3. Face Off in Tic-Tac-Toe

Play tic-tac-toe where players must correctly identify parts of speech to claim squares. This activity fosters competitive learning and grammatical precision, making traditional tic-tac-toe a tool for educational reinforcement.

Face Off in Tic-Tac-Toe
A tic-tac-toe game where each square has a part of speech. To place their mark, players must give a correct example in the chosen square.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Paper or a whiteboard
  • Markers

Steps

  1. Draw a tic-tac-toe grid and label each square with a part of speech.
  2. Players take turns selecting squares.
  3. To claim a square, a player must provide a correct example of the indicated part of speech.
Face Off in Tic-Tac-Toe
Play tic-tac-toe where players must correctly identify parts of speech to claim squares. Fosters competitive learning and grammatical precision.

What It Teaches

Enhances students’ ability to think quickly and use parts of speech accurately under game conditions, fostering competitive learning and grammatical precision. The game also encourages strategic thinking as students must anticipate their opponent’s moves to win.

4. Bag It Up

Draw words from a bag and classify them by their parts of speech. This activity promotes active learning and enhances vocabulary and grammatical understanding through a simple, engaging sorting game.

Bag It Up
This activity involves students pulling words from a bag and classifying them according to their parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Bags
  • Printed or written words on slips of paper

Steps

  1. Prepare bags filled with slips of paper, each bearing a word.
  2. Students draw words from the bag one at a time.
  3. They must classify each word by its part of speech and explain their choice.
Bag It Up
Draw words from a bag and classify them by their parts of speech. Promotes active learning and enhances vocabulary and grammatical understanding.

What It Teaches

Promotes active learning and vocabulary expansion by having students classify words by parts of speech, enhancing grammatical understanding through sorting and discussion. This activity also helps in building analytical skills as students must decide why words belong to certain categories.

5. Use Parts of Speech Clip Cards

Identify and clip the correct part of speech for given words using clothespins. This activity promotes precision and quick identification skills, providing immediate feedback and a tactile learning experience for students.

Use Parts of Speech Clip Cards
An activity using clip cards where students clip a clothespin onto the correct part of speech for a given word or phrase on the card.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Clip cards with words or phrases
  • Clothespins labeled with parts of speech

Steps

  1. Prepare clip cards with a word or phrase.
  2. Provide clothespins labeled with different parts of speech.
  3. Students select the correct part of speech by clipping the appropriate pin to the card.
Use Parts of Speech Clip Cards
Identify and clip the correct part of speech for given words using clothespins. This activity promotes precision and quick identification skills.

What It Teaches

Enhances linguistic categorization skills through a hands-on matching activity, promoting precision and quick identification of parts of speech. This method reinforces learning through repetition and immediate which is feedback, crucial for solidifying students’ understanding of grammatical roles.

6. Shamrock Parts of Speech Game

Play a memory card game that involves matching parts of speech with examples on cards. This activity encourages cognitive skills and reinforces grammar through a familiar game-based approach, making learning both fun and effective.

Shamrock Parts of Speech Game
Students match words with their corresponding parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: Low ($1 to $5) downloadable game

Materials

  • Shamrock memory cards (printed and cut out)

Steps

  1. Lay out all cards face down in a grid.
  2. Players take turns flipping two cards to find pairs that match a word to its part of speech.
  3. If a pair matches, the player goes again; if not, the next player takes a turn.
  4. The player or team with the most pairs at the end wins.
Shamrock Parts of Speech Game
Encourages cognitive skills and reinforces grammar through game-based learning.

What It Teaches

Facilitates learning through a memory game that involves matching parts of speech with examples, making grammar learning fun and effective. This method leverages cognitive skills like memory and recognition to reinforce understanding of grammar in an enjoyable way.

For valuable insights on crafting successful eLearning courses, be sure to read the article “A Comprehensive Guide on How to Create an eLearning Course with Success.

7. Play Hangman with Parts of Speech

Adapt the classic game of Hangman to reinforce parts of speech by requiring correct grammatical identification for each guess. This stimulates vocabulary expansion and grammatical reinforcement in a familiar format.

Play Hangman with Parts of Speech
Traditional Hangman game where the chosen word must fit a given part of speech, which is indicated at the start of each round.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cost: None

Materials

  • Whiteboard or paper
  • Marker

Steps

  1. Indicate the part of speech for the word to be guessed at the start of each game.
  2. Play proceeds as in traditional Hangman, with players guessing letters to form the word.
  3. The guesser can ask for hints based on the part of speech.
Play Hangman with Parts of Speech
This activity stimulates vocabulary expansion and grammatical reinforcement.

What It Teaches

Incorporates parts of speech into the classic game of Hangman, stimulating vocabulary expansion and grammatical reinforcement by requiring correct identification for successful gameplay. This adaptation brings a fresh twist to Hangman, making it a valuable tool for language learning.

8. Learn the Parts of Speech Poem

Students memorize and recite a poem that incorporates all parts of speech, emphasizing their forms. This activity uses rhythm and memory techniques to solidify grammatical knowledge, making it a memorable and lyrical learning experience.

Learn the Parts of Speech Poem
Students memorize and recite a poem that incorporates and highlights all eight parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Cost: None

Materials

  • Copies of the poem

Steps

  1. Provide students with a copy of a parts of speech poem.
  2. Discuss the meaning of each part of speech included in the poem.
  3. Practice reciting the poem in class, possibly as a group activity.
  4. Encourage students to perform the poem individually or in small groups.
Learn the Parts of Speech Poem
Use rhythm and memory to solidify grammatical knowledge.

What It Teaches

Uses rhythm and memory to solidify understanding of grammatical forms, enhancing retention and appreciation of the functional roles of parts of speech. The rhythmic nature of poetry aids memory and makes learning grammatical structures more memorable and enjoyable.

9. Cinquain Poems

Students write cinquain poems that strategically employ different parts of speech, fostering both poetic and grammatical skills. This activity enhances creative expression and structural understanding, making it a valuable exercise for aspiring writers.

Cinquain Poems
Students write cinquain poems, a type of 5-line poem that focuses on syllable count, and incorporate specific parts of speech in each line.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: None

Materials

  • Paper
  • Pens

Steps

  1. Teach the format of cinquain poems (line 1: two syllables, line 2: four syllables, etc.).
  2. Instruct students to use different parts of speech for each line (noun, adjective, verb, etc.).
  3. Students write their own cinquains following the structure.
  4. Share poems in class or display them.
Cinquain Poems
Write cinquain poems that strategically employ different parts of speech, fostering poetic and grammatical skills. Enhances creative expression and structure understanding.

What It Teaches

Fosters both poetic and grammatical skills by strategically employing different parts of speech in a structured poem, enhancing creative expression and structural understanding. This activity also highlights the artistic potential of grammar, linking linguistic skills with creative writing.

10. Make Parts of Speech Signs

Create and decorate educational signs that display different parts of speech. This artistic activity not only strengthens understanding but also turns students into contributors to the classroom environment, making learning visible and accessible to everyone.

Make Parts of Speech Signs
This artistic activity strengthens understanding and provides useful classroom resources

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Cardstock
  • Markers
  • Decoration supplies (stickers, glitter, etc.)

Steps

  1. Discuss the different parts of speech and their functions.
  2. Distribute materials and instruct students to create a sign for one part of speech.
  3. Allow students to decorate their signs creatively.
  4. Display the signs around the classroom for ongoing reference.

Watching the video “How To Make And Explain A Parts Of Speech Project” is highly recommended for clear, step-by-step guidance on creating an engaging educational project.

What It Teaches

Strengthens understanding of each part of speech and their functional use, while fostering a grammar-rich classroom environment. Students actively participate in creating learning tools that serve as ongoing visual reminders, thereby reinforcing their grammatical skills daily.

11. Play Parts of Speech Bingo

Transform traditional bingo by using parts of speech instead of numbers, which encourages quick thinking and sharpens students’ ability to categorize words linguistically. This dynamic game is perfect for reinforcing grammar in a fun, competitive format

Play parts of speech bingo
A game of bingo where each card is filled with words instead of numbers, categorized by parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Bingo cards with parts of speech categories,
  • Markers or chips
  • List of words

Steps

  1. Prepare or purchase bingo cards with categories like nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
  2. Call out words randomly, and students place markers on the correct part of speech category.
  3. The first student to complete a row yells “Bingo!” and wins.

This video is highly recommended as it offers excellent insights into using Bingo as an engaging game for both classroom and online classes.

What It Teaches

Sharpens quick identification and categorization skills for parts of speech, improving linguistic agility and grammatical knowledge. This game format encourages active engagement and cooperative learning among students, making the learning process both fun and competitive.

12. Famous Parts of Speech Task Cards

Students analyze famous quotes to identify highlighted parts of speech on task cards. This activity connects students with memorable texts, reinforcing their grammatical identification skills and making the learning process engaging and relevant.

Famous Parts of Speech Task Cards
This activity involves students moving around the classroom to different stations where they find task cards featuring famous quotes with certain parts of speech highlighted.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Printed task cards with famous quotes
  • Answer booklets

Steps

  1. Prepare task cards with famous quotes, highlighting or bolding different parts of speech.
  2. Set up stations around the classroom with these task cards.
  3. Students circulate, read the quotes, and note their answers in their booklets.
  4. Review the answers collectively at the end of the session.
Famous Parts of Speech Task Cards
Engages students with memorable texts and reinforces grammatical identification.

What It Teaches

Engages students with practical identification of parts of speech in well-known texts, improving grammar skills through analysis and application. This connection with famous quotes makes grammar relevant to real-world texts, enhancing students’ appreciation for literature and public discourse.

13. Dress Up a Sentence

Students enhance simple sentences by adding more complex parts of speech, thereby making them more detailed and interesting. This activity improves understanding of sentence enhancement and the practical use of grammar.

Dress Up a Sentence
Students enhance a basic sentence by adding more complex parts of speech to make it detailed and interesting.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Basic sentence templates on paper or displayed
  • Pens or markers

Steps

  1. Provide each student with a simple, basic sentence.
  2. Students are tasked with “dressing up” the sentence by adding adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, etc.
  3. Review and discuss the enhanced sentences to assess creativity and correctness.
Dress Up a Sentence
Enhance simple sentences by adding complex parts of speech, making them more detailed. Improves understanding of sentence enhancement and grammar use.

What It Teaches

Improves sentence complexity and grammatical understanding by adding detailed parts of speech, teaching sentence enhancement, and practical grammar usage. This activity also cultivates creativity as students think about how different words and their functions can change the meaning and impact of a sentence.

14. Hunt and Sort Eggs

Engage students in an outdoor or indoor egg hunt where each egg contains a word; students then sort these words by parts of speech. This activity combines physical activity with linguistic learning, making grammar lessons dynamic and enjoyable.

Hunt and Sort Eggs
An outdoor or indoor hunt where students find eggs containing words, which they must then sort into categories based on parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Plastic eggs
  • Slips of paper with words
  • Baskets or containers labeled with parts of speech

Steps

  1. Hide plastic eggs containing slips of paper with words around a designated area.
  2. Students hunt for eggs and collect them.
  3. After collecting, students sort the words into containers labeled with the appropriate parts of speech.
Hunt and Sort Eggs
Engage in an egg hunt where each egg contains a word. Combines physical activity with linguistic learning.

What It Teaches

Merges physical activity with linguistic learning as students sort words into parts of speech categories, enhancing understanding of language structure through active engagement. This exercise also fosters teamwork and outdoor learning, providing a refreshing change from traditional classroom activities.

15. Add a Grammar Twist to Jenga

Transform the traditional Jenga game by incorporating a colorful grammar challenge. Each block is associated with a different part of speech, and students select sentence cards to determine the grammatical tasks they must complete based on the color of the block they choose to move.

Add a Grammar Twist to Jenga
As students pull a block, they must identify a word that corresponds to the part of speech written on it.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5) if the Jenga set is already available

Materials

  • Jenga set
  • Markers to label blocks
  • Dice (optional, for color selection)
  • Sentence cards

Steps

  1. Label each Jenga block with a color that corresponds to a specific grammatical task.
  2. Provide each student with a stack of sentence cards.
  3. At their turn, students roll a die to choose a color or select one freely, then pick a block of that color.
  4. Students complete the grammatical task associated with the block’s color using a sentence from their card:
    • Purple: Identify a noun and replace it with a pronoun.
    • Blue: Identify a verb and determine if it’s an action, linking, or helping verb.
    • Green: Identify an adjective and specify if it describes which one, how many, or what kind.
    • Yellow: Identify an adverb and decide if it describes how, how often, when, or where.
    • Pink: Check for a preposition in the sentence and write it down.
    • Red: Look for a coordinating conjunction in the sentence and write it down.
  5. Repeat the process with each turn, pulling blocks according to the chosen color and completing the corresponding tasks.
Add a Grammar Twist to Jenga
Play Jenga with blocks labeled with parts of speech, requiring examples upon each pull. Increases stress-based grammatical recall and strategy.

What It Teaches

This activity merges the excitement of Jenga with the educational challenge of grammar, enhancing students’ understanding of parts of speech through interactive play. Each colored block not only tests their grammatical knowledge but also develops their ability to think quickly under pressure, fostering critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills. This game makes learning grammar dynamic and memorable, encouraging students to engage deeply with language mechanics in a fun, stress-inducing environment.

16. Match up Parts of Speech Dominoes

Students play dominoes where matches are made by aligning words with their corresponding parts of speech. This enhances analytical skills and grammatical knowledge through a strategic matching game.

Match up Parts of Speech Dominoes
Dominoes game where each tile has a word, and players must match them according to their parts of speech.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Dominoes set (or cards) with words instead of numbers

Steps

  1. Prepare dominoes/carts by writing words representing various parts of speech on them.
  2. Players take turns placing a domino next to another with a matching part of speech.
  3. The game continues until one player uses all their dominoes or no more moves are possible.

Watching the short video describing our domino game will provide clear instructions and helpful tips on how to effectively use this activity to support understanding of different parts of speech.

What It Teaches

Sharpens analytical skills and grammatical knowledge through a strategic game. This game also promotes logical thinking and pattern recognition, skills that are valuable across academic disciplines.

17. Sort Magnetic Poetry Words and Make Sentences

Students use magnetic words to sort by parts of speech and then arrange them into sentences following specific patterns. This activity encourages creative sentence construction and a thorough grammar review in an interactive setting.

Sort magnetic poetry words and make sentences
Students use magnetic poetry words to sort by parts of speech and then arrange them into structurally correct sentences based on a given pattern.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5) if magnetic poetry is already available

Materials

  • Magnetic poetry sets
  • Metal boards

Steps

  1. Distribute magnetic words to students and instruct them to sort them by parts of speech.
  2. Provide sentence patterns (e.g., “article + adjective + noun + helping verb + verb”).
  3. Students create sentences following the patterns with their sorted words.

Check out the “How To: Magnetic Poetry” video for detailed instructions on setting up and conducting this creative activity to enhance understanding of parts of speech.

What It Teaches

Encourages creative sentence construction and thorough grammar review by sorting magnetic words by parts of speech and arranging them into specific patterns. This activity supports flexible thinking and experimentation with language, fostering a deeper understanding of how grammatical choices affect meaning.

18. Super Stories Substitution Game

Using a smartboard, students edit a basic story by substituting words with others that fit specified parts of speech, enhancing creativity and grammatical agility. This interactive storytelling game transforms narrative skills and deepens understanding of language components.

Super Stories Substitution Game
Using a smartboard, students interactively edit a story by substituting words with others matching the respective parts of speech, transforming the narrative.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Low ($1 to $5) requires a smartboard or similar technology

Materials

  • Smartboard
  • Story template

Steps

  1. Display a simple story on the smartboard.
  2. Direct students to substitute words in the story with alternatives that match the designated parts of speech.
  3. Each substitution transforms the sentence and, ultimately, the story.
  4. Review the original and modified stories to analyze the changes.
Super Stories Substitution Game
Edit and transform a basic story on a smartboard by substituting words to fit specified parts of speech. Boosts creativity and grammatical agility.

What It Teaches

Allows students to edit a story on a smartboard by substituting words to fit specified parts of speech, boosting creativity and grammatical agility. This interactive approach to storytelling helps students understand narrative dynamics and the impact of word choice on a text.

19. Build Sentences with LEGO Bricks

Use color-coded LEGO bricks to construct sentences, assigning different colors to each part of speech. This hands-on activity develops syntax skills and encourages creativity, helping students visualize and manipulate sentence structure physically.

Build Sentences with LEGO Bricks
Students use colored LEGO bricks, where each color represents a different part of speech, to build sentences.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Cost: Middle to High ($10 to $20) depending on the availability of LEGO sets

Materials

  • LEGO bricks of various colors
  • Labels

Steps

  1. Assign different colors of LEGO bricks to represent various parts of speech.
  2. Challenge students to build sentences using the bricks to form a structurally sound and grammatically correct sentence.
  3. Review and discuss the sentences created for accuracy and creativity.
Build Sentences with LEGO Bricks
This hands-on activity develops syntax skills and encourages creativity.

What It Teaches

Develops syntax skills and encourages creativity through the physical manipulation of sentence components, reinforcing interaction between parts of speech. This tangible method of constructing sentences helps students visualize grammatical structures and promotes a deeper understanding of how language works.

20. Parts of Speech Jeopardy

Challenge students with a Jeopardy game focused on parts of speech, testing their depth of knowledge in a team competition format. This game enhances understanding of grammar while promoting teamwork and strategic thinking.

Jeopardy Game Board
A Jeopardy-style game where categories are based on different parts of speech, challenging students to answer questions or provide examples for points.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to High

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Whiteboard
  • Markers
  • Jeopardy board template (can be digital or physical)

Steps

  1. Create a Jeopardy board with categories for each part of speech.
  2. Divide students into teams.
  3. Teams choose categories and points, answering questions or providing examples of the chosen part of speech.
  4. Award points for correct answers; the team with the most points wins.

Watch the video to see an example of how this activity can be organized and visually presented, providing a practical model for setting up this educational game.

What It Teaches

Challenges students with a Jeopardy game focused on parts of speech, promoting team competition and deepening grammatical expertise for a comprehensive understanding of grammar. This competitive format motivates students to learn quickly and retain information effectively.

21. Throw Darts and Give Examples

Combine the physical activity of throwing darts with the cognitive challenge of grammar by targeting sections labeled with parts of speech and providing appropriate examples. This activity enhances both accuracy and quick thinking in grammar applications.

Throw Darts and Give Examples
Students throw darts and must give examples of the part of speech they hit.

Difficulty Level: Moderate to High (depending on students’ dexterity with darts)

Cost: Low to Middle ($1 to $10) cost of a dartboard and safety considerations

Materials

  • Dartboard
  • Darts
  • Labels for parts of speech

Steps

  1. Label each section of the dartboard with a part of speech.
  2. Students take turns throwing darts at the board.
  3. For each hit, the student must provide an example of that part of speech.
Throw darts and give examples part of speech
Combine darts with grammar by hitting targets, and then providing examples. Enhances accuracy and quick thinking in grammar.

What It Teaches

Combines physical activity with cognitive challenges by requiring examples of the targeted parts of speech, enhancing accuracy and quick thinking in grammar. This activity also develops motor skills and focuses on precision, integrating physical education with language learning.

22. Go on a Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt

Transform a traditional scavenger hunt into a dynamic grammar lesson by having students search for real-world examples of parts of speech in old magazines. This activity not only reinforces language skills but also encourages creativity as students cut out their findings and create educational posters to decorate the classroom.

Go on a Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt
Students venture on a scavenger hunt using old magazines to discover examples of different parts of speech in real-world contexts. This engaging activity sharpens observational skills and enriches grammar knowledge by applying theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Difficulty Level: High

Cost: Low ($1 to $5)

Materials

  • Old magazines
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Posters for displaying findings

Steps

  1. Provide each student or team with scissors, glue, and a poster board.
  2. Assign students the task of hunting through magazines to find and cut out examples of various parts of speech.
  3. Have students glue their findings onto posters, categorizing the examples according to the part of speech.
  4. Display the completed posters around the classroom to serve as visual grammar aids.
Go on a Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills as students identify and categorize language components in various printed forms.

What It Teaches

This scavenger hunt applies grammar in real-world contexts, enhancing observational skills and demonstrating practical grammar application. By using magazine excerpts, students see how parts of speech function in everyday language. The activity also fosters creativity and teamwork, as students collaborate to create informative and visually appealing grammar posters. This hands-on approach not only helps in identifying and understanding parts of speech but also in appreciating their use in various settings, encouraging exploration and critical thinking.

23. Re-purpose a Set of UNO Cards

Transform the classic UNO game into a vibrant educational tool to supplement lessons on parts of speech or provide additional practice for students. This version, named “ONE,” utilizes the familiar, colorful format of UNO, making the learning process engaging and almost seamless.

Re-purpose a Set of UNO Cards
Adapt UNO cards to challenge students to create sentences. Promotes interactive learning and sentence construction skills.

Difficulty Level: High

Cost: Low  ($1 to $5) if UNO cards are already available

Materials

  • UNO cards
  • Markers to modify cards with parts of speech labels

Steps

  1. Modify each UNO card to represent a specific part of speech, such as red for nouns and green for verbs.
  2. Deal cards to players as in traditional UNO.
  3. Players follow UNO rules but change suits by laying down a card with the same part of speech as the face-up card or the same color. For example, if the green “fast” (an adjective) card is face-up, players may lay down another adjective or any green card.
  4. Special cards like “Skip,” “Reverse,” “Draw Two,” “Draw Four,” and “Wild” are played as usual, adding fun twists and strategic elements to the game.
  5. Encourage students to use the cards to form grammatically correct sentences for additional points, fostering creative and practical use of language.
Re-purpose a Set of UNO Cards
Use UNO cards to create a game that represents different parts of speech.

What It Teaches

This game encourages interactive learning and practical application of sentence structure, aiding in the comprehension and construction of grammatically correct sentences. By repurposing a well-known game, students explore complex language concepts in a hands-on, enjoyable way. The game’s familiar and fun context helps students practice parts of speech without the feel of a traditional classroom task.

24. Parts of Speech Escape Room

Create an immersive escape room experience where middle school students utilize their knowledge of the eight parts of speech to solve puzzles and “escape” from the classroom. This activity is designed to be both educational and exhilarating, providing a dynamic environment for learning grammar.

Parts of Speech Escape Room
Students use their knowledge of the 8 parts of speech to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room

Difficulty Level: High

Cost: Middle to High  ($10 to $20) depending on the complexity of the setup

Materials

  • Room setup
  • Clues and puzzles
  • Timer

Steps

  1. Prepare the classroom or a designated room with various thematic puzzles and locks.
  2. Divide students into teams for a collaborative learning experience.
  3. At each of the five stations, students engage in different tasks:
    • Station 1: Identify parts of speech in famous quotes with highlighted words.
    • Station 2: Answer a series of 10 multiple-choice questions to reinforce their knowledge of parts of speech.
    • Station 3: Analyze sentences on task cards to count instances of a specified part of speech, recording answers in their booklet.
    • Station 4: Sort scrambled sentences under correct parts of speech categories and unscramble letters to form key phrases.
    • Station 5: Decode a final puzzle using hidden symbols discovered throughout the earlier stations.
  4. The first team to correctly solve all puzzles and “escape” the room wins.

Watching the video will provide a better understanding of how to facilitate this engaging escape room, ensuring your students have a memorable and interactive experience while reviewing key grammatical concepts.

What It Teaches

This parts of speech escape room challenges students to apply their grammatical knowledge practically and under time pressure, enhancing their understanding of language mechanics. It fosters teamwork and effective communication as students must collaborate to decipher clues and complete tasks. Through engaging and hands-on activities, students actively use parts of speech in varied contexts, making this a memorable method for mastering complex grammatical concepts. This setup not only reinforces grammar skills but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, skills essential for academic success and beyond.

25. Tally Parts of Speech

Students count and analyze the frequency of parts of speech in selected passages. This develops analytical skills and deepens understanding of language mechanics, providing insights into the practical usage of grammar.

Tally Parts of Speech
Students read passages and tally the number of times each part of speech appears, fostering analysis and counting skills.

Difficulty Level: Varies (adjustable based on reading material)

Cost: None

Materials

  • Text passages
  • Tally sheets

Steps

  1. Provide students with passages at appropriate reading levels.
  2. Assign each student to identify and tally specific parts of speech within the passage.
  3. Discuss the results and patterns observed in the usage of different parts of speech.

 

Tally Parts of Speech
Tally develops analytical skills and deepens understanding of language mechanics.

What It Teaches

Develops analytical skills and deepens understanding of language mechanics by having students count and analyze the frequency of parts of speech in texts. This activity also encourages a methodical approach to text analysis, which is important for developing critical reading skills.

Three Key Benefits of Understanding Parts of Speech

Learning parts of speech might seem elementary, typically taught in early school years, yet it remains crucial throughout life, particularly as students progress in their education. The skill to identify and appropriately apply these grammatical categories transcends mere academic exercises; it’s vital for enhancing writing, improving communication, and easing the acquisition of new languages.

Parts of Speech
This foundational grammatical knowledge enhances writing, improves understanding of sentence structure, and streamlines the learning of new languages.

The following section delves into three compelling reasons why mastering these elements is critical for middle school students and beyond, emphasizing how this knowledge profoundly influences their academic success and daily life.

  1. Understanding Sentence Structure: Grasping the fundamental categories of grammar is essential for constructing and comprehending complete sentences. If your teacher highlights issues in your sentence structure, a good understanding of these categories aids in identifying and rectifying these problems. For example, being able to identify nouns and verbs is crucial for distinguishing subjects from predicates, thereby enhancing both comprehension and the clarity of your writing.
  2. Mastering Writing Techniques: A thorough understanding of grammatical categories boosts your ability to employ advanced writing techniques, such as parallel structure. This technique involves repeating similar grammatical constructions within a sentence, significantly enhancing the impact and clarity of your writing. Such familiarity allows for more effective manipulation of language, mirroring the expert style of renowned writers like Abraham Lincoln.
  3. Simplifying Writing and Daily Tasks: Just as mastery of multiplication tables facilitates complex calculations, familiarity with grammatical categories streamlines writing and editing processes. This core knowledge expedites language-related decision-making, enabling you to swiftly identify what a sentence is missing or how to ensure consistency in a list. Investing time to master these grammatical elements not only saves time but also minimizes errors in your writing, thus enhancing both academic and everyday communication.

As we transition from the foundational theories discussed earlier, this next section introduces 25 dynamic Parts of Speech Activities specifically designed for middle school students. These activities serve as practical applications of the grammatical principles covered, providing students with interactive and engaging ways to apply their knowledge. Let’s dive into these hands-on exercises that transform abstract concepts into tangible learning experiences, encouraging curiosity, enhancing understanding, and fostering discovery in the realm of language arts.

For enhancing reading skills and providing literary inspiration, we recommend exploring the article “21 Best Short Stories for High School Students: A Literary Journey of Inspiration and Insight.

Useful Resources

Final Thoughts

Exploring parts of speech through interactive and enjoyable activities not only enhances learning but also fosters a lasting appreciation for language. Implementing these 25 activities in your classroom can transform how students perceive and engage with grammar, making it a vibrant and integral part of their educational journey.

Explore a wide range of engaging educational content for school students on various subjects by checking out our article “Empower Your Students with the 13 Best Online Coding Classes for Middle Schoolers.

Simona Johnes

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