Party GAME: Hello. Scrabble
I helped host a progressive game night for our Relief Society last week. My job was to come up with an ice-breaker game that could be played by a big group, sitting around my living room in about 20 minutes. With these parameters I figured I would need easy prep and set up, easy instructions and (for my sake) even easier clean up. I found my initial idea when I googled “easy inside circle games” — naturally, I’m unable to locate my source again—but it’s ok, I adapted what I found to my liking and tweaked the “rules” so it’s mine now, ha! I also LOVED the results, which is why I’m sharing it with you. I’m calling this game, Hello. Scrabble And, I’m thinking with class parties for Valentine’s Day coming up (my favorite class party of the year!) this would make a great and lively game—especially well suited for older elementary school kids in grades 4, 5 and 6. It would also be fun sitting around a camp fire on a summer evening.
Here’s what you need:
1. A bowl of Scrabble letters you can pass around (make sure every letter in the alphabet is included)
2. The HELLO introduction script, printed large enough for everyone to see. PDF version HERE.
3. Time limit and optional prizes (see below)
Here’s the gist of the game:
1. Pass around the bowl of scrabble letters allowing each person to take a turn.
2. Pull out a letter tile and read the script, filling in the blanks with names, places and things that begin with your chosen letter.
3. Set a timer for 30 seconds (or less) if desired or needed.
So, if someone draws the letter “P” they might say …
Hello. My name is PAMELA, my parents are PETER and PENELOPE. I’m from PITTSBURGH. I love to eat PIZZA and I’m passionate about PETUNIAS, PIGS AND PAPER-MACHE.
If someone draws the letter “E” they might introduce themselves this way …
Hello. My name is EDWARD, my parents are ELOISE and EARL. I’m from EDMONTON. I love to eat EGGPLANT and I’m passionate about ELEPHANTS, ECONOMICS and ELBOWS.
Pure, fast-paced silliness. I especially like that this is not a trivia game where you might not know the right answer—there are clearly no right answers, just lots of FUN and inclusive laughter.
IF you want to keep things moving quickly, set a 20 or 30 second timer. AND, if you feel you need prizes, then post a WORD at the front of the room—perhaps L-O-V-E or V-A-L-E-N-T-I-N-E or the teacher’s name spelled out. If the person draws one of the letters in the word and completes the introduction in the allotted time, they get a PRIZE!
If you try this, let me know how it goes!
