Shape Taboo

This is a superb mathematics activity based on the game of 'Taboo'. The focus here is on shape vocabulary.

The download contains 27 cards featuring shape related words. The game is for two players, a 'reader' and a 'guesser' The object of the game is for the 'reader' to help his/her partner (the 'guesser') to identify the correct vocabulary word on the card. The 'reader' must describe the word as clearly as possible without using any of the 'Taboo words.

For example, the first player might have to get the 'guesser' to say "triangle" but is not permitted ot use the words "three", "point" or "angle". This forces the 'reader' to think carefully when describing the object/item. Statements such as:

"This is a 2 dimension object with a number of straight sides - it can be formed from half a square - it will tesselate - six of them could be placed together to form a hexagon..."

... would all be allowed.

The other 'guesser' may make as many guesses as necessary.

The 'reader', however, is not allowed to gesture or use drawing s to help them.

Once the 'guesser' has correclty identified the item it is their turn to choose a card.

Alternative:

Use a timer - once the 'guesser' has identified the word on the card, the 'reade' moves on to the next card, trying to get as many words as possible in the allotted time. When time runs out, play passes to the next adjacent player of the other team.

Use counters - the 'guesser' receives one counter for a correct guess. The 'reader' loses a counter if a "taboo" word is spoken.

Our Toolbar Users can access an editable .docx format of this download.

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