Good work x 2

I’ve never been very skilled at multitasking but I’ve discovered an activity that easily allows me to accomplish two things at the same time: increase my English vocabulary, and help feed hungry people all over the world. That’s a satisfying double benefit.

By visiting the website Free Rice, you have the ability to improve your vocabulary and simultneously help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

Simply play the voabulary game and each correct answer donates 10 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. It is a rewarding feeling to know that your actions support a selfless cause as well as create an impact on your education.

Over 97 billion grains have been donated since this program began in October 2007...and we’re all getting an education in more ways than one.

Scattergories

I’m a member of a group that regularly meets to socialize and play games - I call it my poker night. We don’t necessarily play poker but we always play some kind of game and, if you know me from this blog, then you know I love word games.

One of the my favorites is Scattergories (a blending of the words scatter and categories). It’s a timed game that challenges your creativity, requires quick thinking, and its purpose is simple: make a list of words falling under various categories that all begin with the same letter. It’s not so easy because there’s a time limit - some pressure to think fast - and originality is the key to winning because you can’t duplicate the same words as your opponents. You earn one point for every word that’s different from your competitors.

I like to play Scattergories online with my English students as a fun way to stretch vocabulary and creativity in English. Here’s a Scattergory list for you to try. Choose one letter of the alphabet, give yourself three minutes, and see how well you do!

1. Things in a grocery store

2. Reasons to quit your job

3. Things that have stripes

4. Tourist attractions

5. Diet foods

6. Things found in a hospital

7. Food/drink that is green

8. Weekend activities

9. Things your shouldn't touch

10. Seafood

11. Sports played indoors

12. Words endIng in “-n”