The names of notable people are written on separate index cards placed face down in a pile. Include historical figures, singers, actors, cartoon or television characters and other individuals or general job titles, such as Abraham Lincoln, Snoopy, Santa Claus, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or a fireman. A child draws a card and announces one adjective and one adverb (together with a verb it modifies) to describe the person. For example, “jolly” and “works quickly” describes Santa Claus. One onlooker guesses the mystery person’s identity. If incorrect, another person guesses. Two incorrect guesses means another adjective and adverb (with verb) are given, along with two more guesses. The correct guesser draws a new card to start another round.
Develop a paragraph telling a story without adjectives or adverbs. The first few sentences might read, “The boy went to the store. He opened the door for a man. A dog ran inside.” The paragraph is then rewritten on a black or white board with blank lines placed before or after words to be modified by an adjective or adverb. Before involving the children, write “adjective” or “adverb” underneath each line. Cover all other wording, leaving only blank lines and “adjective” or “adverb” visible. Fill in the blanks with random adjectives and adverbs supplied by children before unveiling the entire paragraph. The story is first read without the underlined words and then again with them. The boy might be purple, but children are entertained and see firsthand how adjectives and adverbs spice up a story.
One player from each of two teams listens to the host recite a sentence aloud containing at least one adjective and/or adverb. A relatable question follows like, “How many adverbs (or adjectives) are in the sentence?” “Name the adjective (or adverb)” or “What word does the adjective (or adverb) in the sentence describe?” Use true or false questions as well and repeat each sentence. The first to hit her buzzer gives an answer. If correct, her team receives a point. If incorrect, the other player answers and receives a point for her team if correct. Reveal the correct answer if not given, and continue with two new players. The winning team earns the most points.
Provide a copy of your local newspaper to each child. Many papers have a Newspapers in Education or similar program offering free newspapers to local classrooms. Instruct the children to circle as many adjectives as they can find within a particular story. Barely give enough time to skim over the article once. When time is up, review the words each child has circled and verify that they are adjectives. Any duplicated adjectives must be crossed off. A point is only earned for each circled adjective not found by anyone else. For round two, circle adverbs in the same story using a different color ink. Points are awarded in the same manner. Read other articles for additional rounds. The winner earns the most total points.