Scattergories

Download game fonts HERE and HERE

Having trouble downloading the PowerPoint version or editing the Google Slides version? CLICK HERE

(you do not need to request access to the file)

Game Features

Based on the actual Scattergories game, but simplified for language students

Pre-made categories to play straightaway, but can also edit as needed

Game worksheet provided in downloadable file

How to Play

Students play individually, in pairs, or in teams. Each student/pair/team gets a game worksheet.

First, a number is selected to choose a letter for that round, and the students write that letter in the provided box on their worksheet.

Then, a picture is chosen to go to a category page.

Six categories are revealed one by one and explained further if needed. Then, the timer starts (adjustable from 0 to 7min - default is 3min).

Students try writes down a word for each category within the time limit that begins with the chosen letter.

Once time is up, students stop writing and you go over each student’s/pair’s/team’s answers.

Suitable answers that only one student/pair/team wrote get a point. Duplicate answers written by multiple students/pairs/teams are cancelled out and get 0 points.

Once finished going over all the answers, students write their score for that round in the provided box on their worksheet and a new round begins with a new chosen letter and categories.

The student/pair/team with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Further instructions on how to play and edit the game can be found in the notes section of each slide.

Variations

I have no variations for this game at this time. If you played it a different way in your class and would like to share, I would be happy to hear from you in the comments below! :)

Runtime

STUDENTS: 7 TIME: 35min FINISHED GAME?: No

I used it in my 5-6 elementary afterschool class. Unfortunately 2 of my students don't have much confidence in themselves, so they disliked the game. The others, however, loved the game! And they asked to play it again. I gave them 6 minutes to complete each round and we only managed to get through 3 rounds in the time. I also changed some categories to easier ones.

STUDENTS: 12 TIME: 40min FINISHED GAME?: No

This was a great game. I had my students in teams of 3. It was a mix of 5th and 6th graders. All the students were involved and participated.

STUDENTS: 14 TIME: 45min FINISHED GAME?: No

I had 4 teams, and went around to receive each team's responses out loud! What took time was deciding whether or not their words would qualify under the categories, which made it more fun! I had 1 round left but was in the middle of one when the bell rang. This was only going to be a warm up but decided to play the whole class period since my grade 3 middle school students really enjoyed it!

STUDENTS: 15 TIME: ~30min FINISHED GAME?: No

Elementary G5+6 afterschool. We simplified the categories and used the same ones each round, completing 3 rounds + instructions at the beginning.

STUDENTS: 22 TIME: 50min FINISHED GAME?: Yes

I needed a filler lesson for two classes. I had students work together in groups of 4-5 people and was able to get through 4 rounds (4 minutes each round). For checking the answers, I had each team send up one person to write their group answers on the chalkboard. It was really fun since each team got to see what the other teams wrote and they were vocal about whether an answer qualified or not.

STUDENTS: 24 TIME: ~30min FINISHED GAME?: No

got through 3 or 4 rounds in each class

STUDENTS: 25 TIME: 20min FINISHED GAME?: Yes

The runtimes in this chart are based on experiences from me and other teachers. If you had a different experience playing this game and would like to submit your own runtime feedback, please use the form below.

Scattergories

Game Features

How to Play

Variations

Runtime

Game runtime feedback

Questions & Feedback