I love "Hanging with Friends" its a 21st century "Hang man" game. Hanging with friends is a multi-player word game that can be played on mobile device or tablet. Players take turns guessing words with either friends or random opponents. Players who challenge opponents must create a word between four and eight letters long, using the letters provided to them. The challenge is then sent to a player who must guess the word with a limited amount of guesses (based on how many letters were used to make the word). The exchange of guesses continues until one player uses all five of their balloons and their player falls into a pit of lava. Players are given a limited amount of lifelines that can either restore guesses or reveal letters that may be part of the word. Texting, visual graphics and audio are a huge part of the gaming element in this game. You have to text your guesses to figure out the correct word. The visual aspects of the game make the game even more appealing. Your player is hanging from balloons over lava. The background colors are vibrant. There is background audio that plays throughout game and when you lose and fall into the lava the sound effect changes.
Grade level: 3rd
Common core standards:
Reading K-5
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from non-literal language
Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently
Instructional activities :
In an effort to improve spelling, vocabulary, and critical thinking, students will learn how to effectively play "Hang with Friends" in the classroom. Once students have been exposed to the rules of the game and practiced, they will work in pairs to incorporate technology in the ELA lesson by using the Hanging With Friends. Students will use classroom iTouch devices, or their own personal device.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed through teacher observations and their ability to make and solve word puzzles.
Debriefing:
During debriefing students will compare scores with peers and have discussions on what they liked and disliked about game. Students will have discussions with oppenents on what words they were able to solve and those that caused them to fall into lava.
What cognitive skills do this game help to cultivate ?
Knowledge/ Comprehension/ Application
Analysis
Synthesis
What new literacies skills do this game help to cultivate ?
Reading/ Language/ Speaking/Collaboration
Hanging with Friends is a very good game. It is definitely a game that can be used in the classroom and help build vocabulary. I haven't played the game in a while I need to re-download it to my phone.
ReplyDeleteI find that guessing games like these build strategies and students understand which letters are more potent in vocabulary than others and which letters typical follow other ones and it subconsciously makes them a better speller. This is exactly what a educational game should do is teach the students without having them felt like they're being taught rather just playing a game.
ReplyDelete"Hanging with Friends" sounds like a fun and educational tool to use in class. Like Deonna said, the best way for students to learn is to do without feeling like they are learning. Instead of sitting down and memorizing spellings, the game is more enjoyable and yet it does the same thing. Since I have always been a big fan of hangman, I am going to download it on my iDevices too. Thanks for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many teachers I work with are obsessed with the game. I never thought of using it in the classroom. It is definitely a great way to help students build vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion going here and yes to the above comments! Excellent anaylsis on the use of gaming literacy to cultivate new literacies! What are some of the "debriefing" questions you will ask the students to explore their strategies in the gaming process?
ReplyDelete