Here is a game for 10-12 year olds that stimulates creativity.

Split the class in two equally talented groups. It is better if two of the best students pick sides.

Then teacher puts a long word on the board.

Then in quiet secrecy the two teams try to extract the greatest number of words from the one given and write them on a scrap of paper. This requires word analysis.

For example: Computer

Words extracted by team #1: me, put, Tom, rot, copter, ROM (as in CD-ROM)....

Words extracted by team #2: put, pot, pom-pom, E.T., pop, potter..

Each team captain takes turns writing the discovered words on the board, then sits down. This prevents cheating.

Kids are amazed/interested at the words they discover/miss.

Finally, teacher can add a few they may not have thought about.

Long words give children the greatest challenge, words like Frankenstein, crocodiles, elephants, anacondas etc. Use plurals where possible and give the kids an s to work with.

I remind them of the Small Words Game that can be very useful here. Kids will be happy playing this for an hour.

Copyright Robin Tim Day