Learning the rules of basic grammar in the English language can be tricky. Why not make teaching grammar fun? Middle School learners will thrive using game-based activities to engage them in more interactive grammar lessons. The ultimate goal is to trick students into thinking they are just having fun, but they are actually learning! Let's dive in and explore 20 engaging grammar games that you can use with your middle schoolers at home, at school, or in the digital classroom.
1. Grammar Bingo
Grammar Bingo is just like regular bingo- with a twist! This is such a fun grammar game for middle schoolers. If you or your students need a reminder of how to play traditional Bingo, here is a great explanatory video with grammar examples.
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2. Hot Potato- Grammar Style!
Grammar Hot Potato adds an element of surprise to learning grammar. You can use this song while playing that incorporates timed pauses to make it even more fun!
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3. Proper Nouns Scavenger Hunt
Who doesn't love a good classroom scavenger hunt? On a sheet of paper, write down several categories, such as places, holidays, teams, events, and organizations. Give your learner a newspaper and ask them to find as many proper nouns as possible that fit into each of the categories.
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4. Ad-Libs Inspired Writing
Incorporate these free Ad-Lib worksheets as part of your morning routine! You definitely do not need to be an English teacher to create these. You can add a little friendly competition to see who can create the funniest story while practicing grammar skills at the same time!
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5. Perspective Writing with Candy
This is a sweet (and sour!) activity that will have your students competing for candy. You will split the class into teams and hand out one perspective card per team. Then, each team will work together to write a descriptive paragraph from the point of view of their assigned card. Students can share their writing with the entire class and vote on a winner to win the rest of the candy.
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6. Fix it! Editing Practice
This is a free printable worksheet that you can use to assess your student's eye for editing. Middle school learners will read a short article about an upcoming food festival. As they read, students will search for errors in spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar. They will cross out the errors and write the correction above. What better way to get kids' attention than incorporating food into middle school grammar lessons?
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7. Creating the Human Sentence
This activity gets the blood flowing and allows students to interact with one another while putting themselves in order. Watch them have a blast while putting their knowledge of grammar to the test!
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8. Celebrity Tweets & Posts
Does your teen have a favorite YouTuber or celebrity they follow on social media? If so, they will love this activity. Have them print out a few (school appropriate!) social media posts or tweets and check for grammar errors. Here is an example for students to learn how to properly correct a sentence.
Learn More: English Oh My
9. Online Grammar Quizzes
Does your Middle Schooler enjoy taking fun online quizzes? If so, your learner will absolutely love this site. These quizzes are so fun that your learner won't even realize they're learning! You can pair this activity with a Kahn Academy video introducing your learner to basic rules of grammar. These quizzes are great for students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade.
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10. Word Scramble Worksheet Generator
This Word Scramble Worksheet Generator will allow you to create your very own word scramble! This program is easy for anyone to use. You can also use this video if you prefer creating your own word scramble slides. This can be used for K-6 Grades in addition to the middle grades.
Learn More: Soft Schools
11. Preposition Spinner Game
Put your learner's knowledge of prepositions to the test with this super fun spinner game! I love how this activity can be adapted for in-person or distance learning. You can include any preposition words of your choice, making it easy to adapt for any grade level.
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12. Grammar Contractions Puzzles
Create your own contraction puzzles using colored construction paper and put your middle schoolers to work! This is a great way for your learners to practice putting words together to make contractions. Check out this video to remind your learners how to use contractions.
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13. Persuasive Writing with Donuts
First, learners will design their perfect donut to compete in the annual creative donut contest. They will start by introducing the topic and let their imaginations run wild using various types of sentences. "Donut" let them forget their conclusion! I recommend this persuasive writing clip to show prior to the activity about persuasive writing.
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14. Interactive Notebooks
Interactive notebooks are among my top favorite interactive resources! Just remember to make the pieces look more mature and less elementary for middle school students. Here are some interactive notebook tips and tricks to watch if you are interested in additional resources.
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15. Digital Grammar Games
If you are looking for some fun online practice for your middle schoolers, check out this list of online grammar games. These games are highly entertaining and are a great way to incorporate grammar practice at any time of the day. Check out this video to see how the games are played.
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16. Punctuation Storyboards
Creating storyboards gives students a chance to be creative through drawing and illustration. This activity uses storyboards for punctuation practice. Click here to learn more about using storyboards in the classroom.
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17. Grammar Basketball
You don't have to be an athlete to excel in grammar basketball! This hands-on grammar activity will get students moving around the room and practicing their grammar skills at the same time. You can't go wrong with this activity for middle school students.
Learn More: Jenny White: ESL Games and Teaching Tips
18. Reverse Grammar Charades
This interactive activity will allow your students to show off their dance moves and acting skills while they practice using parts of speech in a fun and silly way. I recommend showing the class this BrainPOP Video to introduce parts of speech before playing.
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19. Figurative Language Pin the Tail
This activity will take you and your students back to their younger years! Everyone will have a great time playing this game. This will also be easy to prepare, as you will only need a blindfold and index cards. Check out this figurative language review to get your students ready to play.
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20. Classic Hangman
Classic hangman is a game in which students practice spelling to create words in a limited time frame. Learn more by watching this video by Mike's Home ESL.
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