GB2085738A - Magnetic word game - Google Patents

Abstract

A board game comprises a steel board with sections for magnetic letters, for writing, for the formation of words with the letters and for use as a scoreboard. Magnetic goal markers, a pointer and a whistle are also provided. A storage box is provided at the base of the board. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION l Game This invention relates to a method and apparatus for playing a game.

More particularly, the invention relates to a method of teaching spelling particularly to children with learning difficulties.

In the teaching of spelling, where the usual methods have failed this method, which treats spelling as a competitive game, gives the child a motive for correct spelling.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for playing a board game comprising a steel board with a section for letters, a blackboard section, a section for the formation of words with magnetic letters and a section for use as a scoreboard.

Preferably the scoreboard section is divided into two sections.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a board forming part of the apparatus of the invention; and Fig. 2 illustrates the board in use.

Referring to the drawings a board is divided into four sections A, B, C and D as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The apparatus also includes a number of brightly coloured magnetic letters, some magnetic goal markers, a pointer and a whistle. A box for storing these is attached to the foot of the board.

The apparatus of the invention will be better understood from the following explanation.

As a rule, at the start of the game, all the letters of the alphabet should be in Section A, the vowels being in a straight line nearthetop. At the discretion of the teacher, fewer letters may be used. Before beginning each game, prepare the words to be used with the children, to establish confience.

Say the whole first word and write it on the blackboard section. Let the children do the same but writing the word with a finger, in the air. Then sound or spell the word as you write it. Let the children do this, writing in the air again. Discuss the word with the children. e.g. formation and meaning. Erase the first word and repeat the process for each word in turn.

THE GAME 1. Give Team A a word to spell e.g. "farm". A player from Team Atakes the pointer and indicates f-a-r-m. (For a word like "will" when there is only one "I" onthe board, the playershould pointto"l" twice.) As a parallel has been drawn between spelling words and playing football, it helps to say "Which letter kicks first?, Which kicks next?" He should name or sound each letter, as he points to it, and then say the complete word. The whistle is then blown for a goal and a magnetic marker is placed in the score board in Team A's section.

2. The same player places the letters, in order, in Section C, saying each letter as he puts it in position, followed by the word. Extra letters should be close at hand and used if needed.

3. The player writes the word on Section B sounding or naming each letter and then saying the word. Alternatively he may say the word and write it.

4. The letters are returned, in order, by the player, to Section A each letter being said as it is replaced, and also the whole word. Again the whistle is blown and a goal is marked for the "A" Team as before. Should team A make a mistake in Step 1, a member of Team B may do this and score a bonus goal. If neither team manages Step 1, the teacher does it. The Team A player then takes over to do Steps 2,3 and 4. If he is correct he scores a goal, but if not team B may score another bonus goal. Only one person from each team is allowed to have a try at each word.

5. A player from the B Team now takes his turn and Team A have a chance to score bonus goals, if the B Team player fails. The winner is the team with the higher score after a pre-arranged number of words.

It will be noted that the are a number of small boxes round Section A. These are for multiletter sounds, which should be introduced when required, e.g. qu ai spring ough ph (Fig. 2). On being asked to spell 'chain' a player should point to 'ch' with the pointer, move it to 'ai' and then to 'n'. He should name the letters of each sound as he indicates it.

e.g. ch-ain Also when he transfers letters to Section C the letters in each box should be transferred together and when the letters are returned to Section Athe multiletter sounds should be returned to their respective boxes.

The advantages of the spelling game of the invention are as follows. In the teaching of spelling, where the usual methods have failed, this method which treats spelling as a competitive game, gives the child a motive for correct spelling.

Children like scoring goals fortheirteam, so spelling is fun. The children are involved in the game and enjoy moving the magnetic letters and also putting in their scores. The use of the pointer encourages the player to start correctly and have the letters in the correct order. Multilettersounds in the red boxes before the game.

e.g. (a) "Put the letters that say 'ing' in this box." e.g. (a) "Put the letters that say 'ee' as in 'tree' in this box.

It has been found that after playing the game for some time, pupils who have been in the habit of reversing words or parts of words, tend to overcome this habit.

The spelling of a word is re-enforced because, besides spelling the word orally and writing it down, the player has to place the sounds that compose the word, in order in Section C. Later he has to return them, in order, to Section A.

The bright colours make the game attractive and this, along with the fact that all the operations are performed on a compact unit, focuses the attention of the children.

The game can be used in conjunction with a reading book. As spelling improves reading in many cases progresses.

The game is also diagnostic, a particular failing, such as the reversal of words or inversion of letters, being readily detected.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

1. Apparatus for playing a board game comprising a steel board with a section for letters, a blackboard section, a section for the formation of words with magnetic letters and a section for use as a scoreboard.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the scoreboard section is divided into two sections.

3. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim and further including a plurality of brightly coloured magnetic letters, a number of magnetic goal markers, a pointer and a whistle.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the steel board includes a box for storing said magnetic letters.

5. Apparatus for playing a board game substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.