Spelling Row is a game that allows for multi-player participation. Similar to the traditional spelling bee, it differs in that a group of players is responsible for spelling one word. It can be adapted to any grade level and is an excellent method for reviewing assigned words prior to a weekly spelling test.

How to play

1. Divide your class randomly into teams of equal amounts. Arrange each team so that the members are in a row. You can allow the students to remain in their assigned seats if you choose. I like to mix up the teams so that different combinations of students are made each time we play.
2. Pronounce a word to be spelled.
3. Player one must PRONOUNCE the word and say the FIRST letter of its spelling.
4. Player two says the SECOND letter.
5. Player three says the THIRD, and so on until the last letter is said. It may be necessary to return to player one for another letter if the number of letters in the word is greater than the number of players on the team.
6. The last player must say the LAST letter and REPRONOUNCE the word.
7. If the team successfully spells the given word, award them a point. Keep track of team totals on the board.
8. If any team misspells a word or forgets to pronounce or repronounce a word, play stops immediately and the word passes to the next team.
9. Award small prizes or bonus points toward the upcoming spelling test to the winning team.

After playing this game a few times I allow my students to assume the responsibilities of pronouncer and scorekeeper. It's a wonderful game to encourage cooperative learning skills and allows the class a fun opportunity to practice their assigned spelling words.