Guess What

In this simple activity or game, one child reaches into a bag or box and feels an object. Then the child describes the object in the bag to those listening. He or she asks them to identify the object only from the descriptions given. Each child needs to be able to use descriptive language for this activity. The teacher might want to give the children shapes to explore ahead of time and during that exploration the teacher could help the children use the language needed to describe the shapes. (author/nmb)

This lesson relies on verbal or written (plus drawing) skills. The teacher could broaden the child engagement opportunities (beyond just talking or writing) to make it work for a variety of children or a variety of disabilities.

Children will enjoy this activity more, if the materials and the process are interesting and fun. So, use objects that correspond to student interests, classroom topics, and ones with interesting textures, shapes, etc.In addition, let the children enjoy the experience without turning this activity into a game. This added level of competition might confuse the children

For some children, this activity would be better as an extension, rather than an introductory lesson. There needs to be prior knowledge of vocabulary and of the classification of attributes of texture, material, size, and shape before the children could be expected to describe the object to the class. For example, one child could select something from the bag and the children that are trying to guess the object could point to a corresponding/matching shape on the table or ask questions about the attributes, such as "Is the object round?" etc. The teacher could record the answers so that the children would be able to see the clues before guessing the next time.

Did you like these suggestions? You may also find ideas for adapting this lesson on the Planning Options pages of the REC.