Today, we’re diving into the world of gamification in the classroom, specifically focusing on how to gamify the study of decoding multisyllabic words. 

Infusing playful elements into your multisyllabic word study makes what could be a dry skill to practice, more engaging.

What does “Gamify” mean in the classroom?

First, let’s clarify what “gamify” means in an educational setting. Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements and mechanics into non-game contexts, such as the classroom, to enhance student motivation, participation, and learning outcomes.

It turns boring content into an experience that’s more enjoyable and meaningful for kids.

Piecing Together Multisyllabic Words

Puzzles promote critical thinking skills so they’re perfect for gameifying multisyllabic word study. 

Give students three or four multisyllabic words that have been broken up into puzzle pieces.

Have them put the words back together and read the words. To reinforce syllable types, they break the puzzle apart as they identify each type of syllable. 

You can add an extension by having kids record the word parts and multisyllabic words on a recording sheet. This helps with accountability if you do this activity in a learning station or center.

Multisyllabic Tic-Tac-Toe

This game can be played with a partner or with a teacher.

To play this game, create a tic-tac-toe board with 9 multisyllabic words. Each word on the board can have a certain number of syllables. For example, create a board with only 3-syllable words.

This allows for differentiation because some kids will need practice with 2-syllable words and some will need practice with 4-syllable words.

Have the student choose a multisyllabic word to decode. If they decode it and read it correctly, they get to put a marker on that spot.

If they don’t decode and read it correctly, it’s the next player’s turn.

The player that gets 3 in a row first is the winner!

Roll-a-Word

Create a list of multisyllabic words and assign a point value to each one that corresponds to a number on a die.

The student rolls the dice and whichever number they roll, they have to decode the word and read it correctly. If they’re correct, they get the number of points on the die.

Kids can play with a partner or a teacher but it’s also a great game they can play by themselves. They can challenge themselves to see how many points they can get.

Syllable Types Bingo

Create a bingo board that includes multisyllabic words that have a variety of syllable types: closed, silent e, open, vowel teams, r-controlled, consonant + le.

Create the calling cards that instruct kids to identify a word on their board with the syllable that is indicated on the card.

If they find a word that matches the syllable type, they place a marker or counter on the word.

The first player to get 5 in a row gets bingo and wins! 

To extend the game, you can have multiple kids try to get 5 in a row while winners try to get it again or fill the board.

Gamification in the classroom, specifically when decoding multisyllabic words, is a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes. 

You can transform a dry skill, like decoding multisyllabic words, into a fun experience that fosters motivation, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the lessons.

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