Introduce adjectives by having children describe a poster, magazine ad or original artwork. Variations of this time-tested activity include using post-it notes, drawing arrows to the detail being described by the adjective, employing a graphic organizer wheel and listing an adjective for every letter of the alphabet. When adjectives are separate from the picture, mix the pool of pictures and adjective lists. Have students match the picture to the corresponding set of descriptors.
Adjectives come in two main types and are written either before or after the noun they are modifying. Employ a sorting game to address these two lessons. For a quiet classroom activity, set up a display board or work folder with examples to sort and labeled baskets or a Velcro system. To incorporate physical activity, make it a relay race. For a whole-group activity, designate teams and copy a familiar game show format.
Select or have children provide pictures of various cats, birds or dogs. Secretly prepare a lengthy description of a specific animal from the group, writing each adjective on a separate card hidden from view. As each adjective is revealed, have individuals or teams eliminate one or more candidates from the pool of suspects until the correct one is identified. You can even play musical chairs to give the kids some physical activity. Let the loser of each round select the next adjective card.
Rainy days, long lines and parties aren’t the only times MadLibs save the day. Create your own or buy a stash. Either way encourages creative thinking with an emphasis on parts of speech, including adjectives. MadLibs can simultaneously serve as a review for nouns and verbs while reinforcing the difference between adverbs and adjectives. To narrow the focus to only adjectives, fill in non-adjective blanks prior to the group activity. Reserve this game for an easy station activity or classroom review with a substitute teacher.